The Sackville Children
1796
John Hoppner captures the aristocratic Sackville siblings in a moment of quiet elegance, dressed in the sheer white muslin that was all the rage in the 1790s. Notice the eldest girl's red coral necklace—it wasn't just for style, but was believed to protect children from illness and evil spirits! Hoppner, a former choirboy who became a royal favorite, rivals his contemporary Thomas Lawrence here. He uses soft lighting and rosy cheeks to define the look of British high society childhood, though the children look a bit too serious for a day in the park.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
- Material
- Canvas
Location: Tate Britain, London
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