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18th-century Scottish family group portraits

Join us for an unforgettable talk, as Dr Nel Whiting shares her research on how significant changes in the way family life was depicted in portraiture occurred during the 18th century in Scotland.

CHANGING TIMES

This century saw a move away from formal and obviously posed constructions towards a more spontaneous seeming moment captured on canvas, and an increasing emphasis on the emotional engagement between the subjects. Correlated with this was a recognition that childhood and youth were distinct life-stages.  

NOTIONS OF FAMILY LIFE

As we will see, portraits from this time often contained not just parents and children but other relations, and servants or retainers. Not only did these works of art engage with notions of family life, but also broader political issues of the day.  

Join us for an intriguing close reading of a set of family group portraits by the Scottish artists of the 1700s.

Mar 29, 2022 06:30 PM in London