Sir Godfrey Kneller

The Harvey Family

1721

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Not on display

Artist: Sir Godfrey Kneller 1646–1723
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 2348 × 2838 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Transferred from Newham Museums Service (acquired Passmore Edwards Museum, with assistance from the Art Fund) with additional payment (Grant-in-Aid) 2000
Reference: T07615

Display caption

This painting shows the Harvey family of Rolls Park, Essex. Their wealth was built on business, but the scale and format of this picture imitates the aristocratic style of grand courtly portraiture. Does the restrained style of this painting suggest a new set of social values?

Such striking paintings were meant to be seen in country house galleries where other portraits were on show, so that the continuity of the family over generations could be stressed.

Gallery label, March 2011

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Features

The Harvey Family 1721: By Godfrey Kneller

Rica Jones and Joyce H. Townsend

Read technical information about this painting resulting from examination and scientific analysis by conservators and conservation scientists at Tate

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