The Cleveland Museum of Art

Portrait of Charlotte and Sarah Carteret-Hardy

oil on canvasThomas Lawrence (British, 1769–1830)/1801

Description

Charlotte (left) and Sarah were 19 and 21, respectively, when this portrait was painted on the occasion of Sarah’s marriage to the topographer Daniel Lysons. The sisters wear fashionable gowns and jewelry, but their affectionate posture conveys a sisterly tenderness that transcends glamour. There was a seemingly insatiable demand for Thomas Lawrence’s portraits representing stylish English society, but he was notoriously slow working. Although this picture was begun in 1801, it still was not finished in 1806 when a friend noted its presence in the artist’s studio.

Provenance

By descent to Daniel L. Lysons, Hempstead Court, Gloucestershire; (Burton, Knowles & Co., Gloucester, 21 April, 1887, no.284); Camillo Roth (1888); Charles Crews (sale: Christie's, London, 1 July 1915, no. 105 to Colnaghi); John L. Severance; By descent to Daniel L. Lysons, Hempstead Court, Gloucestershire (sale: Burton, Knowles & Co, Gloucester, 21 April, 1887, no. 284); Camillo Roth (1888); Charles Crews (sale: Christie's, London, 1 July, 1915, no. 105 to Colnaghi); (Colnaghi, London); John L. Severance; John L. Severance [1863-1936], Cleveland, OH, by bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Dimensions

129 × 103 cm

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Movement / Period

Modern European Painting and Sculpture

Accession No

1942.642

Official Citations

[The Cleveland Museum of Art Official Record][Full Resolution Image]

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Thomas Lawrence (British, 1769–1830)

Modern European Painting and Sculpture • England, early 19th Century • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries

Continuous Discovery