My Macbeth

The painting is an autobiographical work showing the artist displaying one of his most successful works to his wife and son in their home. The picture is Hunt's painting of a juvenile interpretation of the 'banquet scene' in Macbeth. When it was shown at the RA in 1864 the Art Journal described the scene depicted: 'A boy ghost, robed in white sheets, points the finger of avenging destiny towards the guilty Macbeth....The tale is capitally told, and the picture equally well painted.' A copy of the Art Journal placed on a chair in the painting references this favourable review, drawing attention to the painter's public success.