The Twins

The Twins

Date: 1865
Dimensions:
298 x 403 mm
Medium: Oil on panel
Object number: GA0522
DescriptionOriginally a coach painter and scenic artist, Thomas Sidney Cooper became famous for his detailed oil paintings of cattle and sheep depicted against rural scenes. Born in Canterbury in 1803, Cooper studied at the Royal Academy where he later exhibited over 200 works. He holds the record for longest continuous exhibitor at the Royal Academy showing, without break, from 1833 to 1902.

Early in his career, Cooper worked as an art teacher in Brussels where he befriended the artist Eugene Verboekhoven, whose animal subjects had a profound effect on him and inspired much of his future work. Upon his return to London in 1831, Cooper embarked on a very successful career as an animalier which brough him great financial success. He was even commissioned by Queen Victoria to paint the royal herd of cattle.

This painting depicts two lambs and a ewe and was acquired in 1917 from a Mrs. J Ellis. Its composition and subject are typical of Cooper.