“The Hope Family of Sydenham Kent,” painted by Benjamin West in 1802, is an oil on canvas portrait depicting the esteemed Hope family. This artwork, a representative piece in the Rococo movement, measures 183.2 x 258.44 cm and currently resides in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, MA, USA.
In the artwork, a group of elegantly dressed individuals, presumably members of the Hope family, are gathered in a sophisticated indoor setting. The family members are engaged in a serene and composed manner, with some standing while others are seated. The background features a dramatic red drapery and an open window that reveals a distant seascape complete with ships, adding depth and a sense of grandeur to the composition. The table in the foreground is adorned with an array of books and documents, suggesting a setting of intellectual and familial engagement. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and arrangement within the composition emphasizes the family’s prominence and unity.
