Millais witnessed the death of a fireman in the course of a rescue, and decided to depict the subject.

[1] Millais sought to create the correct effects of light and smoke by using a sheet of coloured glass and by burning planks of wood.

The painting is also notable for its startling transitions of colour, particularly the dramatic effect by which the sleeve of the mother's nightgown changes from slatey blue to pale pink.

[2] Millais regarded The Rescue as one of his greatest paintings, and chose it as his submission for the Royal Academy's 1855 exhibition.

It was well-received by critics, who recognised the subject matter as startlingly modern for Millais.