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Student Artwork Guide

The First Born

Name Class Date

Frederick Goodall, The First Born (1861), Sheffield City Art Galleries. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Frederick Goodall originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/frederick-goodall/
Artist’s dates
1822 – 1904
Painted
1861
Held at
Sheffield City Art Galleries originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/sheffield-city-art-galleries-sheffield/

In context

The First Born — Frederick Goodall

When was this painted?

  1. 1820
  2. 1830
  3. 1840
  4. 1850
  5. 1860
  6. 1870
  7. 1880
  8. 1890
  9. 1900

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 82 at death.

Painted when the artist was 39. The artist lived to 82. 24 of the 52 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Frederick Goodall (1822–1904) ▲ this work, 1861 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1852 Main working years: 1852–1882 Late works: from 1882

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

  • Trespassers originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-trespassers-9GEKWT-en/
  • Puritan and Cavalier, 1886 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-puritan-and-cavalier-D3Y47P-en/
  • An Arab home, 1893 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-an-arab-home-D3ZNCA-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Black #19140e

    Catalogued palette

    • #19140E
    • #563820
    • #C4AC7B
    • #916A3C

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Black
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Frederick Goodall over the last twelve months — 5 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 80.4%
    2. 2 United States of America 8.7%
    3. 3 Hong Kong 6.5%
    4. 4 United Kingdom 2.2%
    5. 5 Singapore 2.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Frederick Goodall

    1. 1 The Distaff Worker, 1878 5.7%
    2. 2 An Arab home, 1893 3.8%
    3. 3 The Heath Cart, 1850 3.8%
    4. 4 Femme à la cruche 3.8%
    5. 5 Market Day 3.8%
    6. 6 Market People of Brittany in a Boat, 1842 3.8%
    7. 7 William Edward Dighton (1822–1853) in Middle Eastern Dress, 1852 3.8%
    8. 8 the marriage procession, 1870 3.8%
    9. 9 Returning from the well 3.8%
    10. 10 Leading the Flock to Pasture 3.8%
    11. 11 Entering a Church, Britanny, 1840 1.9%
    12. 12 The Drinking Trough A Scene in Brittany, 1857 1.9%
    13. 13 Leaving a Church, Brittany, 1840 1.9%
    14. 14 Felice Ballarin Reciting Tasso to the People of Chioggia, 1858 1.9%
    15. 15 Irish Cabin Interior 1.9%
    16. 16 A New Light in the Harem - Oil on Canvas -, 1885 1.9%
    17. 17 BazaarIn Cairo 1.9%
    18. 18 Rica his daughter, 1894 1.9%
    19. 19 tired gleaners, 1855 1.9%
    20. — The First Born, 1861 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 57.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 208 works by this artist, of which 42 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Frederick Goodall

    Born in London, United Kingdom

    early life and education

    frederick goodall, a prominent english artist, was born on september 17, 1822, in london, united kingdom. he was the second son of edward goodall, a steel line engraver. frederick received his education at the wellington road academy, which laid the foundation for his future artistic endeavors.

    artistic career and achievements

    goodall's first commission, for isambard brunel, consisted of six watercolor paintings of the rotherhithe tunnel, four of which were exhibited at the royal academy when he was just 16. his first oil painting won a society of arts silver medal. between 1838 and 1859, goodall's work was showcased at the royal academy 27 times.

    travel and inspiration

    in 1858 and 1870, goodall traveled to egypt, where he camped with bedouin tribesmen, gathering authentic details for his paintings. he brought back sheep and goats from egypt to ensure the accuracy of his work. the egyptian theme dominated his art, with 170 paintings exhibited at the royal academy over 46 years.

    personal life and legacy

    goodall married anne thomson, daughter of engraver james thomson, in 1846. among their five children were artists frederick trevelyan and howard goodall. after anne's passing in 1869, goodall married artist alice may tarry in 1872.

    notable works and exhibitions

    some of goodall's notable works include:

    the swing (available on AllPaintingsStore.com)

    old maid (available on AllPaintingsStore.com)

    jessie's dream (available on AllPaintingsStore.com)

    conclusion

    frederick goodall, a celebrated english artist, left an indelible mark on the art world. his work, characterized by its authenticity and attention to detail, continues to inspire art enthusiasts. explore more of goodall's artwork on AllPaintingsStore.com, and delve into the world of victorian era painting. more about frederick goodall on wikipedia

    Museum

    Sheffield City Art Galleries

    On show in Sheffield, United Kingdom

    A Crucible of Craftsmanship: Exploring Sheffield City Art Galleries

    Nestled within the heart of Sheffield, a city steeped in industrial heritage and artistic innovation, lie the Sheffield City Art Galleries – a truly remarkable institution offering a unique journey through British and European art alongside a profound celebration of local craftsmanship. More than just a collection of artworks, these galleries represent a tangible link to Sheffield’s storied past as the “Steel City,” a place where metalworking wasn't merely a trade but a deeply ingrained cultural identity. The Galleries stand as a testament to this legacy, seamlessly blending historical industrial artifacts with contemporary exhibitions, creating an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

    At the core of Sheffield’s artistic narrative resides its unparalleled Metalwork Collection. Spanning over 800 examples – from intricately decorated cutlery and gleaming flatware to elaborate tableware – this collection isn't simply a display of beautiful objects; it’s a chronicle of technological advancement, design evolution, and the sheer skill of Sheffield’s metalworkers. The pieces themselves are miniature works of art, showcasing exquisite detail, innovative techniques, and a remarkable understanding of materials. Visitors can trace the development of these crafts through centuries, witnessing how Sheffield became synonymous with quality and precision. The collection's significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it reflects the city’s economic power and social fabric during the Industrial Revolution, offering invaluable insights into the lives of those who shaped this remarkable industry.

    The Visionary World of John Ruskin

    Alongside the metalwork treasures, Sheffield City Art Galleries proudly houses the extraordinary Ruskin Collection. Established by the influential Victorian artist and writer, John Ruskin, this collection is far more than a curated display; it’s an intimate window into the mind of a complex and deeply engaged polymath. Ruskin amassed a diverse array of art, illuminated manuscripts, minerals, and geological specimens – each carefully chosen to inspire a sense of moral responsibility towards nature and humanity. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions that explore Ruskin's enduring relevance, demonstrating how his ideas about social justice, environmental stewardship, and the beauty of craftsmanship continue to resonate today. The collection’s presentation is deliberately immersive, encouraging visitors to contemplate Ruskin’s profound connection between art, ethics, and the natural world.

    A Building with a Story: The Millennium Gallery

    The architectural setting itself contributes significantly to the Galleries' unique appeal. The Millennium Gallery, a modern structure opened in 2001 as part of the city’s ambitious Heart of the City project, provides a striking contrast to the historical collections within. Its glass façade and open-plan design create a dynamic space that effectively showcases both traditional and contemporary art. This architectural choice reflects Sheffield's commitment to embracing innovation while honoring its industrial heritage. The building’s very structure is a conversation piece, inviting visitors to consider the interplay between past and present, industry and artistry.

    A Legacy of Collaboration and Innovation

    The formation of Sheffield Museums Trust in 2021 represents a pivotal moment in the Galleries' history – a strategic merger that has strengthened their capacity for preservation, research, and public engagement. This union with Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust has fostered a more unified approach to showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that its industrial past is not merely remembered but actively celebrated alongside its artistic achievements. The Galleries continue to evolve, offering a diverse range of events, workshops, and educational programs designed to inspire creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for art and design – solidifying their position as a vital cultural hub within Sheffield and beyond.

    Visitor Experience & Beyond

    Sheffield City Art Galleries are committed to accessibility and engagement. Free admission allows everyone to experience the remarkable breadth of its collections, while regular events, workshops, and educational programs cater to diverse interests and age groups. The galleries actively seek to connect with the local community, fostering a sense of pride in Sheffield’s artistic legacy. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a stimulating cultural experience, a visit to Sheffield City Art Galleries promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for The First Born

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Goodall, Frederick. The First Born. 1861, Sheffield City Art Galleries. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/
    APA
    Goodall, Frederick (1861). The First Born [Painting]. Sheffield City Art Galleries. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/
    Chicago
    Frederick Goodall. The First Born. 1861. Sheffield City Art Galleries. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/
    Harvard
    Goodall, Frederick (1861) The First Born. Sheffield City Art Galleries. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/frederick-goodall-the-first-born-AQZD9V-en/

    Look closely

    The First Born — Frederick Goodall

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. How many faces can you find? ____ (our catalogue counts 2 — do you agree?)
    4. Look back at Trespassers, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Frederick Goodall was about 39 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    How strong are the colors of "The First Born"?

    The colors of "The First Born" by Frederick Goodall show a balanced soft saturation with a balanced intensity.

    Is a high-resolution download of "The First Born" available?

    A digital image of "The First Born" by Frederick Goodall can be purchased on its Digital Image page: a high-resolution digital image download.

    Is "The First Born" by Frederick Goodall a portrait, landscape or square composition?

    "The First Born" by Frederick Goodall has a portrait format. The format describes the proportions of the composition.