Mary and Elizabeth Royall
1758
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts Boston
1758
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts Boston
This painting depicts two young girls sitting together on a red couch. The girl on the left wears a blue dress with white lace trim, while the girl on the right wears a cream-colored dress. Both girls have dark hair pulled back and are looking directly at the viewer. The girl on the left holds a small bird in her right hand, while the girl on the right holds a black object, possibly a mask or a toy, in her left hand. The background of the painting is dark and indistinct, with a few hints of blue sky visible in the upper right corner. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume in the painting, drawing the viewer's eye to the girls' faces and hands. To learn more about the artist's technique, explore the art of John Singleton Copley.
