The Wright Family (The Bradshaw Children)
1769
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1769
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows three people sitting outside: a woman holding a sheep, a girl with a lamb, and a boy leaning on a rock. The woman wears a fancy dress with puffy sleeves, the girl has a curled wig, and the boy looks relaxed in simple clothes. Behind them, a dark sky and trees create a dramatic background. The artist used shading to make the figures stand out against the gloomy sky. This was a common trick in older prints to add depth. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this technique works in other art.
