John Jennings Esq., his Brother and Sister-in-Law

The portrait shows the iron-foundry proprietor and businessman John Jennings, his brother and sister-in-law. John Jennings is shown sitting at the front of the painting, proudly showing off his relations with a sweeping gesture. This group portrait invites us into the androgynous role-playing of the 18th century. The characters are all wearing makeup, they are finely dressed and they act out gestu…