The artwork titled “Baba and Billy (portrait of the artist’s daughter, Vivian)” was created by John Duncan in 1920. This portrait reflects the Symbolism and Art Nouveau (Modern) movements, and it currently resides in Kirkcaldy Galleries in Kirkcaldy, UK.
The artwork depicts a young girl, Vivian, evidently the artist’s daughter, seated and holding a black cat. She is dressed in a white garment, framed against a scenic backdrop that features vibrant, nature-inspired elements including a tree, birds, and a swan swimming in a pond. The child’s expression is serene and introspective, her gaze meeting the viewer’s, while the black cat adds a sense of mystery to the overall composition. The painting harmoniously blends elements of nature with the innocence of childhood, characteristic of John Duncan’s stylistic approach within Symbolism and Art Nouveau.
