Susannah, Philip Lake, and Maria Godsal: The Godsal Children

Maker John Hoppner (British, 1758 - 1810)

SitterSitter: Susannah Godsal (British, 1772 - 1852)

SitterSitter: Philip Lake Godsal (British, 1784 - 1858)

SitterSitter: Maria Godsal (British, 1785 - 1879)

Collections

British Painting Highlights

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1789

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 54 1/4 × 60 1/4 in. (137.8 × 153 cm.) frame: 63 1/2 × 68 3/4 × 5 1/8 in. (161.3 × 174.6 × 13 cm.)

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Adele S. Browning Memorial Collection, gift of Mildred Browning Green and Honorable Lucius Peyton Green

Status

Not on view

Label TextA spectacular setting sun, signifying the passage of time, becomes in Hoppner’s hands a metaphor for childhood transitions. The eldest girl affectionately coaxes her younger sister to enjoy the sunset, demonstrating her budding maternal nature. The confident pose and direct gaze of their brother, who at age four wears his first pair of masculine trousers, suggests his growing independence.

Bibliography

British paintings at the Huntington

Object number78.20.31