The hungry messenger, 1890 (oil on canvas)

Painted in 1890, this picture is a typical example of nineteenth century 'genre' painting. 'The Hungry Messenger' is painted with great detail, and clearly tells a story. The messenger has arrived at the end of a long hard journey, and surreptitiously helps himself to a piece of chicken while the message is being read; The painting is set in the seventeenth century, and the composition is reminiscent of Dutch painting at that time - note especially the open door which frames the figure of the servant in the room beyond, and the detailed painting of the laid table;