Naomi

Naomi

Sir Samuel Luke Fildes, R. A. (1844-1927)

1914

Oil on canvas

65 x 50 cm

Guildhall Art Gallery (Accession no. 1774)

Presented by L. V. Fildes, 1967

In the Old Testament, Naomi finds herself a widow in a strange land, and has to bear the loss of both her sons as well. Head held high, she must have been a poignant but inspiring figure for those facing similar losses at the outbreak of war in 1914. Naomi will find great solace in her closeness to her daughter-in-law Ruth and her grandson Obed. Click on the picture to enlarge it; commentary continues below.

Related Material

  • Naomi and the Child Obed, by Simeon Solomon
  • Ruth and Naomi (stained glass window by Bell & Beckham)
  • Reproduced courtesy of the Corporation of London