An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of the Drummond Family, Peter Auriol Drummond (1754-1799), Mary Bridget Milnes Drummond (1755-1835), and George William Drummond (1761-1807)c. 1776
Artist: Benjamin West
American (active Britain), 1738 - 1820
Portrait. Peter Auriol Drummond, colonel in the Yorkshire militia is holding the hand of his bride, Mary Bridget Milnes, wearing the flowing robes and high powdered headdress popular in the 18th century. George William Drummond the sixth son of Robert Hay Drummond is seated at the left, and they are all looking at a portrait of their father Robert Hay Drummond, Archbishop of York, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1764.
60 x 72 in. (152.4 x 182.88 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
United States
18th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In the quiet embrace of Pennsylvania, a young Benjamin West embarked on a journey that would forever alter the art world. It was 1760 when he made the fateful decision to cross the ocean to Europe, driven by a yearning to explore the depths of artistic mastery. His heart swelled with ambition as he first settled in Italy, where the sun-drenched landscapes and the whispers of Renaissance masters filled his spirit. But it was in 1763, amidst the vibrant streets of London, that West's true story began to unfold.
As he navigated the bustling city, one of his earliest patrons emerged like a guiding star: Robert Hay Drummond, the Archbishop of York. A man of vision, Drummond wished to liberate West from the confines of portrait painting, yearning instead for the breathtaking historical epics that ignited West's imagination. He sought to secure a salary for the artist, envisioning a future where West's talents would flourish without financial worry. However, when this effort crumbled like fragile leaves in autumn, Drummond found a new path. He introduced West to King George III, a pivotal moment that would alter the course of his life.
The king recognized the spark of brilliance in West, and in a proclamation that resonated through the corridors of time, appointed him as Historical Painter. This royal endorsement opened doors to remarkable fame and fortune. London became his canvas, and with each stroke, he helped to establish the prestigious Royal Academy in 1768, a sanctuary for aspiring artists.
Among his celebrated works stood a poignant family portrait of the Drummond clan, freezing a moment in time. In this intimate setting, four figures came alive on the canvas. At the far right, Peter Auriol Hay Drummond, the Archbishop's third son, stood proud in his Light Dragoons uniform, a noble officer exuding strength. Beside him was his beloved wife, Mary Bridget Milnes, an anchor to his spirit. On the left, looking thoughtful, was George Hay Drummond, another of the Archbishop's sons, a man of the cloth, dutifully clutching the portrait of their esteemed father.
As viewers gazed upon this artwork, they were drawn into a double-layered narrative. Some art historians whispered theories, suggesting this tableau might serve as a memorial, created after the Archbishop's passing on December 10, 1776. Others proposed an alternative, questioning whether the Archbishop, with his many responsibilities in York, simply couldn't sit for the painter in London.
Yet, it was the unyielding connection of family captured within the frame that truly resonated. Though no sorrow marred their expressions, the essence of their bond stood testament to love, duty, and loss. West’s clever inclusion of the Archbishop through the painted likeness represented by George invites contemplation, allowing the viewer to linger in the delicate balance between memory and the unfolding of life.
In this serene moment, Benjamin West not only breathed life into paint but also etched stories into the hearts of those who would come after him, reminding us all of the profound connections that weave the fabric of our shared existence.
About the artist
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