The Story Behind the Photograph #8

Sandra Humphries

I often visit the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and have looked at the painting ‘And When Did You Last See Your Father? (by William Frederick Yeams painted in 1878) many times. Because I’m familiar with the painting, when I walked into the room where it hangs and heard a father tell his son, who’s nose and hands were touching the painting, to “get your hands off there”, I wondered what was happening. 

As he stepped away, the boy immediately put his hands behind his back. Knowing the painting so well, I took the shot because I realised I’d caught him mirroring the pose of the boy in the painting.

I like that the boys are about the same age and that they’re dressed in clothing fitting their particular eras, and that the modern boy is looking at the painting with such attentiveness that you are left wondering what he’s seeing and thinking. I also think the moment is a reminder not only to look for photo opportunities but also listen out for them too.