Grandfather's Pet 

William Gilbert Foster painted "Grandfather's Pet," capturing a tender moment between a man, a child, and their shared world. This painting invites us to consider the roles of men and women during the late 19th century. The man, presumably a grandfather, is outside, but sedentary, while the child is depicted in a submissive, docile posture. This evokes a sense of domesticity and the emotional labor often associated with women. Here, the firearm becomes a tool for connection rather than a symbol of power. In its depiction of intergenerational connection and simple joys, the painting delicately navigates the complexities of identity and familial bonds. The painting provides us with an intimate reflection on how we find solace and continuity in our relationships.