Who painted Members of the Sheridan Family?

Members of the Sheridan Family was painted by Edwin Landseer in 1847.

Where can I see Members of the Sheridan Family?

Members of the Sheridan Family is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Members of the Sheridan Family?

Members of the Sheridan Family is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Members of the Sheridan Family?

Museum-quality prints of Members of the Sheridan Family are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Members of the Sheridan Family

Edwin Landseer , 1847

Members of the Sheridan Family is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Edwin Landseer. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1847, this oil on canvas by Edwin Landseer portrays a domestic tableau of three generations seated together. The composition centers on a formally dressed gentleman, his wife, and their child, accompanied by two small dogs, against a backdrop that includes a window opening onto an exterior landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures an intimate family moment, emphasizing the bonds between parents and child through their close physical arrangement. The inclusion of the dogs reinforces themes of loyalty and domestic comfort, while the genteel attire and composed setting reflect the social standing of the sitters.

Technique & Style

Landseer employs a restrained palette and careful modeling of light to render the figures with subtle chiaroscuro, giving depth to the fabrics and flesh. The brushwork is smooth, particularly in the rendering of textiles and animal fur, highlighting the artist’s skill in portraying texture within a controlled, realist framework.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained in public collections, entering the National Gallery of Ireland where it is displayed as part of the institution’s 19th‑century British portrait holdings. Its provenance traces back to the original commission by the Sheridan family, though detailed ownership records prior to its museum acquisition are limited.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Edwin Landseer

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer was an English painter and sculptor, well known for his paintings of animals – particularly horses, dogs, and stags. His best-known work is the lion sculptures at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.