Portrait of the Ladies Amabel and Mary Jemima Yorke

c. 1761

This object has related works. See

Joshua Reynolds

(British, 1723–1792)

Culture

England, 18th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 224.5 x 201.3 x 11.4 cm (88 3/8 x 79 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.); Unframed: 196 x 170 cm (77 3/16 x 66 15/16 in.); Former: 223.5 x 198 x 9 cm (88 x 77 15/16 x 3 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of John L. Severance 1942.645

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Location

203A British Painting and Decorative Arts

Did You Know?

Her family affectionately referred to Mary Jemima (at right) as "Mouse."

Description

Sisters Amabel (left) and Mary Jemima are shown playing on the grounds of their family’s country estate outside London. They wear loose, flowing garments invented specifically for the portrait rather than their usual outdoor dresses. Their father commissioned the painting to hang in the family’s city home in London’s St. James Square and it highlights their status as landowners. Joshua Reynolds painted this portrait after his return from Italy, where his studies inspired him to incorporate classical references. The famous ancient Roman Statue of a Girl with a Dove is echoed in Mary Jemima’s pose as she shields a dove from the family dog.