Let’s Go to the Museum Writing Challenge #3

Kay Castaneda,

Homeless by Thomas Benjamin Kennington 1890 Bendigo Art Gallery, Victoria, Australia.

Writing Challenge

For this challenge, you will write an original poem, blog post or brief story using a prompt of a painting, sculpture, drawing, photography or art exhibit which I’ll provide each month. You will have a month to make a response to the painting. This deadline is flexible. You can also post your challenge responses on your own website or blog if you link back to my blog. Read and comment on others’ writing. Get feedback. There is the possibility of being included in a literary journal that I’m starting.

ABOUT THE PAINTING

Thomas Benjamin Kennington’s painting “Homeless,” created in 1890, is a poignant portrayal of the harsh realities faced by the impoverished in late 19th-century urban environments. The painting depicts a young, destitute child being comforted by a compassionate passerby, set against the backdrop of an industrial cityscape. The child’s limp posture and vacant gaze emphasize their helplessness and vulnerability, while the mourning attire of the woman suggests a deeper narrative of loss and despair.

Kennington was known for his social realist approach, often highlighting the plight of women and children. “Homeless” stands out for its raw emotional impact and its role in raising awareness about social inequality and the need for compassion. The painting resonated deeply with contemporary audiences, drawing critical acclaim for its pathos and powerful depiction of suffering.

This work was part of a broader movement during the Victorian era where artists began to engage more directly with social issues, using their art to advocate for change and highlight the need for societal reform. Kennington’s detailed and empathetic portrayal of the subjects in “Homeless” underscores his commitment to using art as a tool for social commentary.

What emotions do you think the painting “Homeless” by Thomas Kennington evokes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Thomas Benjamin Kennington

Born in Grimsby England on April 7,1856, Thomas Benjamin Kennington trained at an impressive line of schools including the Liverpool School of Art, the South Kensington School of Art, and finally at the Academy Julian with William Bouguereau, Jules Lefebvre, and Tony Robert-Fleury. Throughout his life he exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and his work was also seen at the Royal Society of British Arts and the famous Grosvenor Gallery. His work was well appreciated and he even won a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

Kennington was a social activist who cared deeply about the poor and believed strongly in the artists’ community. He was a founder and first secretary of the New English Art Club whose purpose was to provide exhibition opportunities for artists who were not accepted to show at the Royal Academy or who were dissatisfied with its supremacy. Kennington was also a founder of the Imperial Arts League, which still exists today as The Artists’ League of Great Britain. The Artists’ League was founded in 1909 with the purpose of protecting and promoting the interests of artists in matters of business such as copyrights, contracts, and insurance. Kennington often painted, like many of his contemporaries, the plight of the impoverished and destitute in order to draw attention to the need for social reform. As well, he was a painter of beauty and scenes from everyday life. He also became a well-established portrait artist, painting Queen Victoria (1819-1901) in 1898.

Kennington died in London, December 10, 1916. Today, his paintings can be found in many museums and in public locations throughout England and Australia, including in England, the Tate, Alfred East Art Gallery Permanent Collection, Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Atkinson Art Gallery Collection, Royal Shakespeare Company Collection, Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Grimsby Town Hall, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Royal Society of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons of England , The Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, North East Lincolnshire Museum Service, Retford Town Hall, Bassetlaw District Council, and The Foundling Museum, and in Australia, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Bendigo Art Gallery, and the Christchurch Art Gallery in New Zealand.

– Kara Lysandra Ross. Art Renewal Center https://www.artrenewal.org/

*I was unable to find a photograph or illustration of the artist. I like to include those in the writing challenges. I look forward to seeing your responses to the challenge.

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Comments (16)

  1. Kay, this picture reminded me instantly of Charles Dickens. It could have illustrated one of his stories very easily. It’s hard to imagine a child alone on the street asleep or passed out from lack of food and shelter. But here he is in living color tearing our hearts for the plights of the homeless today.

  2. Thanks for introducing to Thomas Kennington and his mission through life. Sadly, not much has changed with the struggle of the homeless. Thanks for bringing this to light Kay. Hugs <3

  3. Marsha, that’s a great observation how the painting reminds you of Charles Dickens. He wrote about poverty and misery. Sadly, many people don’t have real homes. In Mexico, it’s very common. There are neighborhoods in our town where poor people live. The areas are up in the hills where the city government has never paved. They don’t have running water. Some areas don’t have electricity. But the corrupt mayor and state gov. build mansions and steal all the money which in turn the have to give a cut to the cartels.I cried when I saw a “house” that was an old sheet with holes stretched between sticks plus cardboard taped to or nailed to trees. The middle class is getting larger but poverty never goes away! It gets worse. One time in Mexico City, we passed a very large dump that must have been three stories high. People live on top of the trash in cardboard boxes. The dump was down in a valley so we had an ugly view from the highway. It seemed to go on for miles.I was so sad to see children picking things out of the garbage to sell or even eat! That was only one dump in the city. Many kids have prostitute mothers who abandon them and they have to beg and steal. Kids live in the food markets. At night they hide under tables so the cops won’t put them out. My husband gives money to kids who beg or old people, but not to drug addicts. I see news about big cities in the US and how the problem is out of control also. I kept looking at this painting and can’t forgetvit!!

  4. Thanks Debbie. The homeless problem seems to be getting worse, especially in large cities. People live in tents if they’re lucky. Others sleep on the sidewalks. Why is this issue ignored? I used to think it was simple. They must be homeless because they did something wrong. But then people I know suffered loss of jobs, mental and physical illness, divorce, abuse, financial problems and more! Many people don’t have anyone who cares like the kind woman who cared for the little boy even if all she did was be with him when he was dying. The woman looks angelic to me even though she’s dressed in black.
    Thomas Kennington did other remarkable and emotional paintings. He also painted mythological characters and portraits. I’m glad you stopped by my blog.

  5. Oh my, that must be heartbreaking. We have a large problem with animals, and thus our adopted Goldie. But I bet you feel like you could take them all in. The animals up here have nicer rescue places than your kids in Mexico City. Heartbreaking. I’ll try to respond with a post later this week. I do love the painting even though it is so sad.

  6. I feel sorry for homeless animals too. That’s why I kept our puppy that someone threw in our yard. When I read stories about abandoned animals, it makes me sick. If I was rich, I would build a shelter or place for homeless and orphan kids. Animals too! You can respond anytime.

  8. You can take more than a month, Marsha. I wrote that to spur people to write something! Some things on my blog disappeared when I had trouble a few months ago. I will check to see where #2 is and send you the link. Thanks

  10. I’ve never seen this painting before and appreciated learning the historical and biographical significance of the work and the artist. The painting is beautiful and heartbreaking. I can see why it had an impact on the audience of the day. I wish we could say that homelessness was a thing of the past.

  11. Thank you Kay. Yes, once upon a time we wondered what people did to become homeless, now we don’t need to wonder. Just look at the cost of living, shortage of housing (here) and many living paycheck to paycheck because of GLOBAL GREED. A sad situation without seeing any resolution. :(

  13. It is overwhelming, trust me. Everyone feels it. It took me years to find my balance, but in the last four years since I’ve been hosting challenges, I have a more regular schedule and that helps me.

  14. I’m glad you responded to the painting, Diana. It really moved me because it’s both sad and beautiful. That’s the power of art especially if the artist is talented like Thomas Kennington
    .Thanks Diana! I hope you will visit again.

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  15. It’s very moving. I looked up more of Kennington’s work after visiting your blog. :-) He has a lot of beautiful but sad pieces, especially of children in poverty.

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