“The Gore Children” by John Singleton Copley, dated circa 1755, is an oil on canvas portrait executed in the Neoclassicism style. This artwork, measuring 124.46 by 130.81 centimeters, is housed in the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Winterthur, Delaware, United States.
The artwork depicts four siblings, elaborately dressed, set against an interior background that transitions into an outdoor landscape. The children are attired in period clothing indicative of the mid-18th century, with attention to detail that showcases their social standing. The first child, seated on the left, holds a basket of flowers, emphasizing her femininity and grace. The child standing to her right is dressed in blue, connecting her to a sense of calm and tranquility, while the child in the center is donned in a more formal brown attire, suggesting perhaps a future role of responsibility. The fourth child, on the far right, is adorned in vibrant red, highlighting a playful youthfulness, and is accompanied by a small dog, adding a touch of warmth and domesticity to the portrait. The picturesque landscape in the background, featuring lush greenery and a serene body of water, further enhances the charm and detail of this familial portrayal, presenting an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Gore siblings.
