The Old Master (1883) James Hayllar
Here we have a cheery scene of a funeral - the lady in the chair is the widow, her daughter behind her and the men in the room are, presumably, members of staff who have come to pay their respects. The coffin, in the middle of the room, is open, a sheet covering the body. There is a quiet dignity to the scene - leading you to believe that the dead man was beloved by all. Well, I say that but the two men on the far right might be muttering to each other 'I just came to make sure the old sod was dead...'The Lord is my Shepherd, or in this case, Gary...
Plants on windowsills are always interesting in pictures because they are rife with meaning. I wonder if that is meant to be a geranium on the ledge? They symbolize melancholy, which would fit. Red geranium also symbolize good health, which is a tad ironic, given the circumstances. Mind you, the departed might have been a man who enjoyed very good health, never happier than when he indulged in his favorite sport, nude hang-gliding. That was how he died, unfortunately. It also explains the sheet half way up the coffin. Nevermind, he died doing what he loved. Who could ask for more?
See you tomorrow...