Michael Smither married poet Elizabeth (Elsie) Harrington in 1963. Both Elsie and her brother Keith were called Harry: Elsie because she disliked her given name and Keith because it was the style of the day to call boys by their surnames. It was not until after she became a published poet that she changed her name by deed poll to Elizabeth. This painting of Harry was worked on over all three of her pregnancies: 1964 (Thomas), 1967 (Sarah) and 1970 (Joseph). The Domestic paintings by Smither are amongst his most intimate and recognisable works. Not only are they deeply personal and autobiographical, but Smither’s explorations of familial relationships resonate with the viewer. This work employs the characteristics of formal portraiture, with the severe side profile and acidic colouring silhouetted against a plain black background. Nothing is allowed to distract us from the intensity of the sitter and the artist’s relationship with her during that time. Emma Fox