Kauffman and the Spencers

Angelica Kauffman was no stranger to the Spencer brood. In 1774 she painted a portrait of Georgiana, Harriet, and George. In it she captures the young siblings before marriages, gambling problems, political careers, and celebrity. You can also see how much attention surrounded Georgiana, with the way both of her siblings are focused on her while she, herself, makes eye contact with the viewer. Years later, Kauffman returned to paint both Spencer sisters again in complimenting portraits. They are portrayed in the NeoClassical style that Kauffman loved. Both ladies are older now. They have loved and lost, had children, and lived the celebrity lifestyle. Instead of the young, starry-eyed beauties we now see matronly graces in more simple settings.