A School

The painting depicts a schoolmistress accompanied by five boys and a cat, conveying a scene of everyday educational life in late 18th-century England. The inclusion of a cat adds a touch of domesticity and calm to the scene.

Executed in oil paint, a prevalent medium of the time, the work showcases Opie's skill in capturing interior scenes with figures. The use of oil allowed for detailed rendering of the subjects and their environment.

One version was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1784 and later owned by notable figures such as Samuel Jones-Loyd and Jesse Watts-Russell.

One version was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1784 and later owned by notable figures such as Samuel Jones-Loyd and Jesse Watts-Russell. It was sold for 750 Guineas in 1875, a record for Opie's work at the time. Another version was owned by George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford, and exhibited in Manchester in 1857. A lighter version, with the cat on the right, was purchased by Dr. Earl Wood in 1930 for $7,500 and later stolen from his Newark residence in 1969.

Created during Opie's London period, the painting reflects the artistic and social climate of late 18th-century England. Its exhibition history, including the Royal Academy and later retrospectives, highlights its appeal across centuries.

The painting's popularity is evidenced by its 1785 mezzotint engraving by Valentine Green and its inclusion in significant exhibitions such as the Art Treasures Exhibition in 1857 and early 20th-century retrospectives. Despite the theft of one version, the work remains a notable example of Opie's oeuvre.