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The Calmady Children (Emily, 1818–?1906, and Laura Anne, 1820–1894)

1823
Not on view
The rosy cheeks, rumpled chemises, and tumbling curls of Emily and Laura Anne Calmady reflect a new admiration for childhood and innocence that found expression in the portraiture of the early nineteenth century. Rather than depicting his sitters as miniature adults, Lawrence idealized the sweetness of youth and the affectionate bond between sisters. The artist once described the portrait as “my best picture . . . one of the few I should wish hereafter to be known by.”

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Calmady Children (Emily, 1818–?1906, and Laura Anne, 1820–1894)
  • Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence (British, Bristol 1769–1830 London)
  • Date: 1823
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 30 7/8 x 30 1/8 in. (78.4 x 76.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Collis P. Huntington, 1900
  • Object Number: 25.110.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Nature (The Calmady Children), Samuel Cousins British, Mezzotint; third (?) state of five
Nature (The Calmady Children)
Multiple artists/makers
1835
Portrait of Elizabeth Farren, Countess of Derby, Sir Thomas Lawrence British, Black and red chalk
Portrait of Elizabeth Farren, Countess of Derby
Sir Thomas Lawrence
Elizabeth Farren, Countess of Derby
1790
Portrait of a Young Lady with an Amber Necklace, Sir Thomas Lawrence British, Black chalk and red chalk, heightened with white on paper
Portrait of a Young Lady with an Amber Necklace
Sir Thomas Lawrence
1814
Benjamin Rouse Jr., Sir Thomas Lawrence British, Graphite, black and red chalk
Benjamin Rouse Jr.
Sir Thomas Lawrence
Benjamin Rouse Jr.
1813 (?)
Lady Maria Conyngham (died 1843), Sir Thomas Lawrence British, Oil on canvas
Lady Maria Conyngham (died 1843)
Sir Thomas Lawrence
ca. 1824–25

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