Story of Golden Locks

Story of Golden Locks

Story of Golden Locks

Artist:Seymour Joseph Guy (1824–1910)
Date:ca. 1870
Culture:American
Medium:Oil on canvas
Dimensions:34 x 28 in. (86.4 x 71.1 cm)
Classification:Paintings
Credit Line:Gift of Daniel Wolf and Mathew Wolf, in memory of their sister, the Honorable Diane R. Wolf, 2013

While little known today, the English-born Guy was celebrated in his lifetime for his charming and technically accomplished genre paintings of childhood. In this work, the artist depicts his own children reading a version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." The young girl’s menacing bear-like shadow and the boys’ wide eyes suggest that they have reached the story’s frightening climax. In addition to the didactic message of the fairy tale—warning children not to wander from home—Guy presents his adolescent daughter on the verge of change, turning away from childhood games and assuming a more adult, maternal role.

Provenance

Continental Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA; John C. R. Tompkins, Millbrook, NY, 1972; Tillou Gallery, Litchfield, CT, 1972; Nathan Liverant & Son, Colchester, CT; Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, NY, 1973; Jo Ann and Julian Ganz, Jr., 1973-2008; offered at Sotheby's, 12/3/2008, lot 8, did not sell; collection of the donor, 2008 to present.

Copyright Image
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