The artwork, entitled “The Artist’s Brother James, Holding a Candle,” was created by George Romney in the year 1761. This portrait belongs to the Rococo art movement and depicts an intimate and serene moment within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork portrays a young male figure, identified as the artist’s brother, gently holding a candle. The candlelight softly illuminates his face, casting delicate shadows that accentuate his peaceful expression. The background is shrouded in darkness, which further emphasizes the warm glow of the candle and the tranquility of the scene. The subject’s eyes are closed, and a faint smile graces his lips, suggesting a moment of quiet reflection. The overall composition captures a sense of intimacy and calm, typical of Rococo’s emphasis on lightness and grace.