The Doctor (painting)

The Doctor by Luke Fildes

The Doctor is a painting by the English artist Sir Luke Fildes, completed in 1891. It is one of the most famous works of Victorian art and is noted for its depiction of a compassionate doctor attending to a sick child. The painting is housed in the Tate Britain in London.

Background

Self-portrait of Sir Luke Fildes

Sir Luke Fildes was inspired to create The Doctor after the death of his first son, Philip, who died of tuberculosis in 1877. Fildes was deeply moved by the dedication and care shown by the attending physician, Dr. Gustavus Murray, during his son's illness. This personal experience influenced Fildes to portray the ideal of the compassionate and attentive doctor.

Composition

The painting depicts a doctor sitting at the bedside of a sick child, who is lying on a makeshift bed. The doctor is shown in deep concentration, observing the child with a look of concern and empathy. The child's parents are seen in the background, with the father resting his head in his hands, and the mother looking on anxiously.

Detail of The Doctor

The setting is a modest, dimly lit room, which adds to the somber mood of the scene. The light in the painting is focused on the child and the doctor, highlighting the central theme of care and attention.

Symbolism

The Doctor is often interpreted as a symbol of the medical profession's dedication to patient care. The painting emphasizes the human side of medicine, showcasing the importance of empathy and compassion in the healing process. It reflects the Victorian ideal of the doctor as a moral and ethical figure, dedicated to the well-being of their patients.

Cultural Impact

Cartoon from Punch magazine, 1911

The painting has had a significant impact on the public perception of doctors and the medical profession. It has been used in various contexts to promote the values of care and compassion in medicine. The Doctor was also featured on a United States postage stamp in 1947, commemorating the centennial of the American Medical Association.

U.S. stamp featuring The Doctor

Related Works

Fildes' other works, such as The Widower, also explore themes of family, loss, and compassion. These paintings reflect Fildes' interest in social issues and his ability to capture the emotional depth of his subjects.

The Widower by Luke Fildes

Related Pages

• Victorian art
• Tate Britain
• History of medicine
• Sir Luke Fildes