The Western Brothers

Maker John Singleton Copley (American, 1738 - 1815)

SitterSitter: Charles Callis Western, later Baron Western of Rivenhall (British, 1767 - 1833)

SitterSitter: Shirley Western (British, 1768 - 1824)

Additional Title(s)

Charles and Shirley Western
Charles Callis Western, later Baron Western of Rivenhall, and his brother Shirley Western: the Western brothers

Collections

American Paintings Selections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1783

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions49 1/2 x 61 3/4 in. (125.7 x 156.8 cm.) frame: 64 x 75 7/8 x 4 1/4 in. (162.6 x 192.7 x 10.8 cm.)

DescriptionBoth three-quarters length. The elder boy, on the right, sits full front, holding a portfolio and drawings on his knees, a crayon in his right hand, his head turned three-quarters left. His mouse-brown long hair is blown by the wind; florid complexion, smiling mouth. He wears a blue coat, light-buff double-breasted waistcoat and breeches, and a white frilled shirt and cravat. His hat and cane on extreme right. His brother stands behind him, against a balustrade, his right knee advanced, his right arm outstretched, pointing left; his face wreathed in smiles. He has light-brown hair, dark eyes, and fair complexion; he wears a black hat, chocolate-brown coat with striped double-breasted vest, and a white muslin collar open at the throat; brown breeches, seal fob, and gray stockings. On the balustrade, left, a hound crouches with his head thrown up. Background of blue sky with pinkish clouds and wind-blown trees. A building and tree trunks, right.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextCharles and Shirley Western are portrayed at their home, Rivendell, situated on 100 acres in Essex, England. John Singleton Copley created a complex and energetic portrait by showing the boys and dog interacting with the space in front of them. Shirley draws Charles's attention to something outside the canvas, and their dog seems about to leap out of the painting toward the viewer.

The brothers wear relatively loose, informal clothing and the long hair fashionable for boys in the period. Their wealth as members of the landed gentry is implied by Shirley's gold watch chain and Charles's elephant-head walking stick. Charles draws a landscape, an activity that demonstrates his education and taste.

Copley painted The Western Brothers after moving to London in 1776 from Boston. To become successful in the competitive British art market, Copley began painting grand compositions with loose brushstrokes like the portraits produced by popular artists of the day such as Thomas Gainsborough.

Status

On view

Object number14.7

Exhibitions

American Made: Selections from The Huntington's Early American Art Collections