A Little Girl and Her Sheltie by Burton Barber Poster

Charles Burton Barber's painting A Little Girl and Her Sheltie, also known as A Secret Place, was created in 1892 and exemplifies the artist's talent for depicting the bond between children and animals. Barber, a specialist in such scenes, painted this work during a period when he was frequently commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to create portraits of their grandchildren and pets. This piece captures a tender moment where the young girl, accompanied by her loyal Sheltie dog, is caught in the act of exploring a secret hiding place known only to her and the dog. The composition is rich in detail, reflecting the fashionable aesthetic of the time. The girl sits on a George II side chair, reaching into an oriental cabinet, while the room around her is adorned with exotic touches such as golden floral wallpaper, an intricately carved frame, a lavish Persian rug, and a dried palm leaf hanging above a framed landscape. The setting evokes an air of opulence and a fascination with Eastern decor, further enriching the painting's ambiance. This piece, along with A Special Pleader (painted the following year), continues the story of the girl and her Sheltie, where, in the latter work, the secret hiding place is discovered, and the girl stands in shame as her dog pleads for her release from punishment.