An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Sir Edward Walpole's Children1747
Artist: Stephen Slaughter
British, 1697 - 1765
Portrait.
43 1/16 x 34 1/4 in. (109.38 x 87 cm) (canvas)
44 x 44 in. (111.76 x 111.76 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
England
18th century
Gift of Mrs. Eugene J. Carpenter and Olivia Carpenter Coan in memory of Mr. Eugene J. Carpenter
In a quiet, sunlit room, where shadows dance upon the walls and memories linger like a whisper, a painting quietly tells a story—a tale of family, love, and the passage of time. Center stage are four children, the four beloved offspring of Sir Edward Walpole, each one distinct and easily recognized by age. They stand together in a moment suspended in time, a vibrant snapshot of youth, blooming with potential and unfulfilled dreams.
The eldest, Laura, radiates a graceful maturity, her poise hinting at the responsibilities that come with being the firstborn. In 1758, she wove her own story into the tapestry of history by marrying the Honorable F. Keppel, who would later grace the role of Bishop of Exeter. Her gaze, though fixed on the distant future, carries the weight of expectation, the echo of vows yet spoken.
Next to her is Maria, the second daughter, whose spirit shines brightly, ready to embrace the world. She steps into her own narrative in 1759 when she joins her life with James, the second Earl Waldegrave. Yet, restless like the sea, her heart finds further adventure in 1766 when she becomes the Duchess of Gloucester. Her journey speaks of love’s unpredictable nature, a succession of chapters that unfold with each new turn.
Then there is Charlotte, the charming third child, poised in 1760 to join her own saga through marriage to Lionel, the fifth Earl of Dysart. Her smile is infectious, hinting at stories brimming with laughter, companionship, and perhaps whispers of quiet rebellion against the expectations of her time. Her presence adds a layer of vibrant joy to the canvas, as if she is a bright splash of color upon an otherwise muted palette.
Finally, the boy, Edward, stands apart from his sisters, a tender spirit forever changed by fate’s cruel hand. In his youthful face lies the promise of adventures yet to unfold, yet his story takes a poignant turn; he would become Colonel Walpole only to leave this world too soon, passing away at just thirty-one in 1771, never to marry or carry forth his name. An unspoken grief swirls around him, a reminder of life’s fleeting nature wrapped in the warmth of family ties.
A Cuban Amazon parrot perches nearby, an exotic guest in this familial gathering. Whether it was brought across the ocean or meticulously copied from a book, it seems to note the goings-on with its bright, inquisitive eyes. This bird, too, has its own story, perhaps as a symbol of freedom, curiosity, or the journey of discovery amidst the tightly woven strands of domesticity.
Thus the painting encapsulates not just the likenesses of these four children but their dreams, their loves, and the bittersweet shadows of loss and legacy. It invites us to reflect on our own narratives, fluttering like the wings of the parrot, each life an intricate brushstroke on the vast canvas of human experience.
About the artist
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