Margaret Beckford, later Margaret Orde, and Susan Euphemia Beckford, later Duchess of Hamilton: The Beckford children

Maker George Romney (British, 1734-1802)

SitterSitter: Margaret Beckford, later Margaret Orde (British, 1784 - 1818)

SitterSitter: Susan Euphemia Beckford, later Duchess of Hamilton (British, 1786 - 1859)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca.1789-91

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions60 x 48 3/8 in. (152.4 x 122.9 cm.)

DescriptionBoth full-length, center. The younger, Susan, sits on the ground, her feet to the left, her body turned slightly right, leaning on her left hand, which is hidden by her dress, the right hand on her lap. Her face is turned three-quarters right and up to her sister Margaret, who stands profile left, her head almost full-face. Her left arm hangs by her side, her right hand rests on her breast. Both children have curling, red-brown hair and blue eyes. Susan wears a mobcap with pink bow, white frock with silver-buckled black belt, white socks, and red shoes. Margaret has a light hair ribbon, transparent, white muslin frock showing rose underdress, a black belt, and red shoes. Background of tree trunks and autumn-tinted foliage. Left, cloudy blue sky with bright-rose horizon over blue hills.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextEnglish family portraits placed a premium on birth order. Romney articulates the relative status of Margaret and Susan Beckford in a variety of ways. Elder sister Margaret’s erect stance, elegantly placed hands, and direct gaze signal her dominance and sophistication, while Susan’s upward glance and crouching posture express the admiration and dependency of a younger sibling.

Status

On view

Object number20.9