Edward Hughes

J. Haydock, his sale Christie's, 14 March 1969, lot 77 (bought 'Maas');
J. S. Maas & Co., London, where bought by Sir David Scott, 5 June 1969 for £231 

London, J. S. Maas & Co., High Art and Homely Scenes, 1968, no. 21

STRUCTURE The panel is sound. PAINT SURFACE There are some abrasions/ paint losses to the extreme edges in places, particularly the left edge. Also a chip to the paint, centre right edge, from an old nail, and a further minor chip to the upper and lower centre edges. Otherwise in good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals a spot of retouching to the lower right edge. FRAME Held in a decorative gilded composite frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Edward Hughes was the son of the landscape painter George Hughes. He exhibited genre and domestic subjects at the Royal Academy and the British Institution from 1847 onwards, before becoming a portrait painter.

Sympathy depicts a smartly-dressed young boy who has encountered an impoverished young flower-seller of approximately the same age, in a city street. It appears that he is returning home from attending a music lesson and has set aside his violin and bow on the doorstep of a house. She is dressed in a ragged shawl with a red scarf tightly wrapped around her neck, suggesting that it is winter. He has gently taken her cold hand in his to warm it against the cold. The plight of the urban poor was a popular subject in the mid-nineteenth century and Hughes treated a familiar subject with tender pathos.