The Doctor by Luke Fildes, first exhibited over a century ago, is a popular masterpiece and an icon of medical art. The artist was inspired by the devoted care of a doctor who looked after his young son during a fatal illness some years before. The presentation will explore the historical context of the scene portrayed: an imposing male doctor observes the ‘crisis’ of a child’s illness as dawn breaks in a humble cottage. Consideration will be given to: The artist: a Victorian success story; How the picture was commissioned and painted; Whether the scene portrays myth or reality including consideration of: The child: her likely illness and prognosis, The family: social circumstances and access to medical care, The physician: his training, employment circumstances and clinical methods. Did he arrive by horse, carriage, bicycle or even motor car?, The treatment: the possible contents of the medicine bottle and their efficacy. The picture in the context of other portrayals of doctors and children. This seminar took place at Oxford Brookes University on 1 November 2011