Mid 18th Century Oil On Canvas British School Conversation Piece

The scene is set for this charming, small, high quality portrait of a family on a terrace from the 18th century attributed to John Giles Eccardt (1720-1779). This sensitively rendered survivor of an era of elegance is actually a "conversation piece" a type of informal group portrait popular in the 18th century. Generally on a small scale, they depict groups of family or friends in domestic interiors or in gardens. A rare and gem-like example, this painting shows a high-status family at rest. A father deep in thought, a mother nursing a baby, and a curious brother and sister sporting brightly colored, shimmering Van Dyke costumes. They are framed by romantic architectural elements, softened by scrappy roses. This beautiful painting has been recently preserved and is ready to hang and enjoy in a magnificent 18th century hand carved gilt frame. John Gile Eccardt (1720-1779) was a British portrait painter of German origin. He came to England in the company of the French painter Jean-Baptiste van Loo for whom he worked as an assistant. When Van Loo left the country, Eccardt chose to stay and established a portrait business. Many of his works demonstrate a penchant for 17th-century clothing. Over the next few years he produced portraits of a number of prominent members of British society, including Horace Walpole and his entourage. This work is comparable to another conversation piece, that of Sir Robert and his wife Catherine Shorter (c. 1754) which is in the Lewis Walpole Library at Yale. There is a copy of this portrait along with several other works by Eccardt in Walpole's former home, Strawberry Hill House, Britain's finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. Eccardt died in 1779 Images in higher resolution on request. Worldwide shipping available. Canvas: 16" x 22" / 58cm x 74cm. Frame: 23" x 29" / 58 cm x 74 cm.