En Pénitence

In a letter to the French art critic Ernest Chesneau, dated May 1882 (now in the Getty Center, Los Angeles, and cited in L. Roberts, op.cit., p. 285, Letter 12), the artist lists what he considers to be his best pictures, of which this is one. The list, and the dates of the pictures’ exhibition at the Royal Academy, is intriguing and bears citation: Ophelia (1852), Eve of St Agnes (1854), April Love (1856), Home from Sea (1863), The Font and Silver and Gold (1864), The Mower (1865), Good Night (1866), The Convent Boat (1874), Uncertainty (1877), Old Neighbour gone before (1868), The Property Room (1879) and En Penitence (1880).

The scene is set in a school room, where children are grouped around the teacher’s desk. A spring garden, in full bloom, glimpsed through the window beyond, emphasises their youth and promise. The youngest child has transgressed, and has been seated to dry her tears. There was considerable interest in all things Dutch in artistic circles in the 1880s. Clausen, amongst others, painted many Dutch children. In this picture the children are wearing clogs. It is appropriate that the picture was donated by a former owner to the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate. This charitable institution provides education for children who have lost a parent. The picture is being sold to boost the endowment.