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Description: | Zoffany's aristocratic conversation pieces often have a remarkable naturalness and informality. The notion of showing the children playing at agricultural pursuits derives ultimately from the ideas of Rousseau. Rousseau's writings suggested that well born children should learn about nature and gain first the lessons of the common folk. The two small boys may be Henry and Charles Blunt (b. 1760 and 1761/2), sons of Harry Blunt, Freshford, Somerset, who was 4th son of Sir Harry Blunt, 2nd Baronet. But it is not certain. If this is so, then the painting was commissioned about 1767. Since Charles died in 1763, the sitters may be two younger sons, Walter and Harry. The identity is far from certain. They still wear petticoats and the toy hay cart is amusingly contrasted with the full-size rake. | Subjects: | portrait (The Blunt Children) | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Zoffany, Johann (German painter, 1733-1810, active in England) Æ | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=9173... | Go to resource |
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