Artwork

The Hollingsworth Family

The Hollingsworth Family, by George Hollingsworth, oil, 1840
The Hollingsworth Family, by George Hollingsworth, oil, 1840

The Hollingsworth Family is an oil painting by the Realist artist George Hollingsworth. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

The Hollingsworth Family is an 1840 oil painting by George Hollingsworth, depicting his family in a formal gathering. The work is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the Hollingsworth family in a domestic setting, reflecting the artist's personal life and social circle in mid-19th-century New England. The formal attire and composed arrangement of family members convey a sense of unity and respectability.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work employs realism, a style influenced by Hollingsworth's European training. Notably, chiaroscuro is used to create depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.

History & Provenance

George Hollingsworth, a Massachusetts-based artist and educator, created the painting in 1840. Later, he managed the Lowell Institute, advocating for women's education. The painting is now held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Context

Created during a period of social change in New England, the painting offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent family. Hollingsworth's involvement in education, particularly women's, adds a layer of cultural significance to the work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Hollingsworth

Artist

George Hollingsworth

George Hollingsworth (1813–1882) was an American artist, teacher, and administrator active in Massachusetts.