Samuel Richardson, the Novelist (1684-1761), Seated, Surrounded by his Second Family 1740 - 1741

Curator: Francis Hayman painted this family portrait of Samuel Richardson, the novelist, seated with his second family. It's currently held at the Tate. Editor: It’s a rather serene scene, isn't it? Almost dreamlike with the soft light filtering through the trees. It gives the impression of a posed tableau vivant. Curator: Hayman was a significant figure in the development of British Rococo, and you can see that in the idealized depiction of family life and the fashionable clothing. It reflects the social aspiration of the rising merchant class. Editor: The details in the dresses are exquisite! They practically shimmer. But I can’t help but wonder what they were all thinking at that moment. Curator: Such portraits were often commissioned to project a certain image of prosperity and familial harmony. The natural setting suggests virtue, aligning the family with Enlightenment ideals. Editor: So, more staged than spontaneous, perhaps? Still, there's a sense of quiet intimacy that lingers. Curator: Precisely. The work is a fascinating lens through which to examine the social and cultural values of the period. Editor: Ultimately it is an interesting visual narrative.