Mrs. Samuel Mifflin and Her Granddaughter Rebecca Mifflin Francis

Charles Willson Peale

Created:
Movement:
1780
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Colonial Portraiture, Familial Intimacy
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Dimensions:
50 1/8 x 40 1/4 in. (127 x 101.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. Samuel Mifflin and Her Granddaughter Rebecca Mifflin Francis" is a portrait by American artist Charles Willson Peale, created between 1777 and 1780. The painting depicts Mrs. Mifflin, the wife of prominent Philadelphia merchant Samuel Mifflin, alongside her granddaughter, Rebecca Mifflin Francis. Peale was known for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects, and this work exemplifies his skill in portraiture. The composition reflects the social status of the Mifflin family during a period of significant political and social change in America. The painting is characterized by its attention to detail and the use of light to enhance the figures' features. The exact circumstances of the commission are unknown, as are the specific motivations behind the choice of subjects. The work is part of the collection at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. Samuel Mifflin and Her Granddaughter Rebecca Mifflin Francis" is an oil on canvas painting by Charles Willson Peale, created between 1777 and 1780. The composition features Mrs. Mifflin seated in a dignified pose, adorned in a dark gown with a white lace collar, which contrasts with the lighter attire of her granddaughter, Rebecca. Rebecca stands beside her, holding a small bouquet of flowers, symbolizing youth and innocence. The background is a muted landscape that enhances the figures' prominence, while soft, natural light illuminates their faces, highlighting their expressions. The painting exemplifies Peale's skill in capturing the textures of fabric and the subtleties of human emotion. The work reflects the artist's commitment to realism and his ability to convey familial bonds through portraiture.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. Samuel Mifflin and Her Granddaughter Rebecca Mifflin Francis