The Wellington Family

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The Wellington Family
end-18th c.
John Hoppner

The members of the Wellington family were portrayed by Hoppner against a turbulent sky, in the courtly fashion of the English Rococo style. The figures resemble each other in their Classical features, ivory complexions and rosy cheeks. They are arranged in a semi-circular composition. The subtle white hues of their silk gowns dominate the painting, set in simple contrast to red and dark brown colours without contour lines. This group portrait is unique for its free expression in pure colours and broad brush-strokes.