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Elizabeth and Thomas Linley

Thomas Gainsborough

English, 1727–1788

Elizabeth and Thomas Linley

c. 1768

Elizabeth and Thomas Linley belonged to a family of accomplished musicians from Bath, in England—she was a celebrated singer and he, a precocious violinist. Gainsborough knew the Linleys well and his affection for the brother and sister is evident in this engaging, sympathetic portrait. The sitters' eyes shine and their finely painted features contrast with the loose brushwork of their hair, clothing, and rustic surroundings.

Medium oil on canvas
Dimensions 27 1/2 x 24 1/2 in. (69.8 x 62.3 cm) Frame: 37 1/2 x 34 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (95.3 x 87.9 x 9.5 cm)
Object Number 1955.955
Acquisition Acquired by Sterling and Francine Clark before 1955
Status On View

Image Caption

Thomas Gainsborough, Elizabeth and Thomas Linley, c. 1768, oil on canvas. Clark Art Institute, 1955.955

Select Bibliography

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