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.)
DescriptionThis painting portrays two sisters, Margaret and Susan Beckford. The younger, Susan, sits on the ground, while Margaret is standing next to her. In the background are tree trunks and autumn-tinted foliage against a cloudy blue sky.
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 viewObject number20.9
John Hoppner
ca. 1789
Object number: 24.31
Edward Burne-Jones
ca. 1935
Object number: 2000.5.1044
George Romney
1777
Object number: 78.20.35
Joshua Reynolds
ca.1774-1775
Object number: 23.62
