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This portrait is regarded as Romney’s masterpiece. It was commissioned by Granville, 2nd Earl Gower, and portrays his children. The figure on the right, holding a tambourine, is Lady Anne, Lord Gower’s daughter by his second wife. The younger children are his son and daughters from his third marriage: (left to right) Lady Georgina, Lady Susan, the Hon. Granville and Lady Charlotte Sophia. Romney visited Italy in 1775 to study the Renaissance masters and this portrait reveals his new interest in classical themes and poses. The statuesque figure of Lady Anne on the right contrasts with the rhythmical movement of the other children who dance in a ring. This composition was probably inspired by a May Day dance witnessed by Romney in Nice, which reminded him of “the scenes of Arcadia”.
Abbot Hall
Kendal
Title
The Gower Family: The Children of Granville, 2nd Earl Gower
Date
1776–1777
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 203 x W 235 cm
Accession number
AH 1185/74
Acquisition method
purchased with the assistance of the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund, the Art Fund, HM Government, Westmorland County Council, Provincial Insurance, the Friends of Abbot Hall and other private donations, 1973
Work type
Painting
Inscription description
ENGR, BY J. RAPHAEL SMITH, MEZZOTINT, 1781, & T.G. APPLETON, MEZZOTINT, 1902
Abbot Hall
Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5AL England
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