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.
Provenance
N. Newman Ltd, 1962; Berry Hill Galleries Inc; Forbes Collection; Christie's, 2003 (unsold).