Anna Maria Jenkins and Thomas Jenkins 

Angelica Kauffmann painted this portrait of Anna Maria Jenkins and Thomas Jenkins using oil on canvas. The garland of white roses that Anna Maria holds aloft is of particular interest. Roses, since ancient times, have symbolized love, beauty, and the ephemeral nature of life. We see such garlands re-emerging throughout history, adorning figures in Roman frescoes as emblems of triumph and celebration. Yet, they carry the weight of vanitas, a reminder of life's transient beauty. The dog, too, is more than a mere pet; it embodies fidelity and loyalty, echoing in paintings across centuries. Remember the faithful dogs in Renaissance portraits, symbols of marital devotion and unwavering companionship. The motif of the garland and loyal dog surfaces, evolves, and adapts, resonating with cultural memory. This portrait captures a moment in time, but it also evokes the timeless human emotions of love, loyalty, and mortality, engaging us on a subconscious level.