Artwork

Enjoying Domestic Happiness

Enjoying Domestic Happiness, by Robert Blyth, ink, 1779
Enjoying Domestic Happiness, by Robert Blyth, ink, 1779

Enjoying Domestic Happiness is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Blyth. It dates from 1779 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: Drawn by J. H. Mortimer; lower center in plate: Enjoying domestic Happiness. / London, Publish'd as the Act directs 15th Nov. 1779 by R. Blyth, No. 27 Great Castle Street, Cavendish Square; lower right in plate: Etched by R. Blyth; by later hand, lower right in graphite: Box 38 T

About this work

Overview

Enjoying Domestic Happiness is an etching on laid paper created by Robert Blyth in 1779, capturing a serene domestic moment.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a tranquil family scene: a woman in a flowing gown sits on a chest, flanked by a standing man in simple attire and a child in a basket at her feet. Symbolic elements, such as a helmet and shield on the wall, convey protection, while everyday objects like a basket and jug underscore domesticity. The composition exudes warmth and comfort, emphasizing familial togetherness.

Technique & Style

Blyth's choice of etching on laid paper imbues the work with a textured quality, enhancing the visual depth and inviting scrutiny of the scene's intricate details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1779, specific details regarding the etching's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not provided.

Context

The work reflects 18th-century societal values placing a premium on domestic harmony, with the artist's depiction of a unified family unit resonating with contemporary ideals of marital and parental bliss.

Legacy

The enduring appeal of 'Enjoying Domestic Happiness' lies in its timeless portrayal of family warmth, though its impact on the broader art historical canon or subsequent artistic movements is not explicitly defined by the available information.

La Félicité villageoise
La Félicité villageoise, Nicolas Delaunay

Artist & collection

Portrait of Robert Blyth

Artist

Robert Blyth

Robert Blyth (1803–1803) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Enjoying Domestic Happiness?

Enjoying Domestic Happiness was painted by Robert Blyth in 1779.

Where can I see Enjoying Domestic Happiness?

Enjoying Domestic Happiness is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Enjoying Domestic Happiness?

Enjoying Domestic Happiness is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Enjoying Domestic Happiness?

Museum-quality prints of Enjoying Domestic Happiness are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.