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The Graham Children (1742) by William Hogarth
So many period paintings of children depict them as mini adults or with serious demeanour. In contrast, this wonderful portrait of the four Graham children by William Hogarth, allow a glimpse of the real personalities of these young sitters. Their father was the Royal Apothecary to George II. Henrietta, the eldest, holds out cherries to the youngest brother Thomas. Sadly, he had already died by the time the painting was finished. Anna Maria is dancing to the organ…
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The Young Royalist
Charles Cavendish (1620-1643) would appear to have it all. Second son to the 2nd Earl of Devonshire and the godson of King Charles I, he was dashing, wealthy, and well-travelled. His portrait, seen here, was painted by Sir Anthony van Dyck, and truly captures his youthful promise. Sadly, it was not to be. He died fighting for the Royalist cause, in action at Gainsborough, at the young age of 23. However, his handsome features are forever immortalised in…
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Observations: The Mary Beale Collection
We were so excited about this exhibition that we visited it as soon as the doors opened! It is only in recent years that the appreciation of Mary Beale and her artwork has increased. This year, the art world was sent into a frenzy when a sleeper portrait of her son, Bartholomew, appeared at a Colchester Auction House as Italian School. It eventually sold for £100,000 and in doing so, demonstrated how the appeal of Beale’s portraits is…
