Christians and Christians, 1868-69. Oil on canvas, 551/2 x 831/4 inches (141.5 x 211.5 cm). Collection of the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, accession no. 1612.
Martineau was working on this unfinished painting at the time of his death. It had likely been commissioned either by the industrialist Thomas Fairbairn or by Kirkman Hodson, the Governor of the Bank of England, both of whom were prominent collectors of works by the Pre-Raphaelites. The subject relates to the time in the 13th century when Jews were expelled from England. An elderly poor Jewish pedlar who has been persecuted by the inhabitants of the town has collapsed at the door of compassionate Christians who come to his aid. Holman Hunt had these comments on the picture: "His last occupation had been on a large picture representing a young girl in John’s reign defending a poor Jew who was being insulted and mistreated by a ‘Christian’ mob. This also in its design and beginning and the parts finished had a similar largeness of style. " (Pre-Raphaelitism, II, 308-309).
— Dennis T. LaniganLinks to Related Material
Last modified 21 January 2022