The Saithwaite Family 1780 - 1790

This portrait, painted by Francis Wheatley between 1780 and 1790, depicts the Saithwaite family in an interior setting. The family is posed in a relaxed and intimate manner, with the mother and daughter in the foreground and the father seated on a sofa in the background. The painting exemplifies the style of portraiture popular during the late 18th century in Britain, showcasing the wealth and social standing of the family. The meticulous details of the clothing and furnishings, along with the natural poses of the subjects, contribute to the overall sense of realism and elegance. The work, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fine example of Wheatley's talent for capturing the likeness and character of his sitters.