If you look closely at the photos of Maddie’s first dress, you’ll see a wonderful piece of art on her wall. I chose it specially for her because I thought it was a perfect example of what might have been found in a Victorian nursery. In fact, as I researched famous animal paintings of the time, I learned that rabbits appeared in a lot of British paintings in the 1800’s – possibly because they were first domesticated as pets during this period.
“Rabbits Feeding” was painted in 1851 by John Frederick Herring Senior – one of the greatest animal painters of his time. In the early years of his career he painted inn signs and coach insignia. His favorite subject then, and for most of his career, was horses. As he became a more established artist, he often painted race horse portraits for members of the aristocracy.
In 1845 he was awarded the title of “Official Animal Painter” of the Duchess of Kent – Queen Victoria’s mother. From this point on, and for the rest of his life, Herring was commissioned regularly by the Queen herself.
You can learn more about his career, and view all of his paintings, HERE.