The Linley Sisters (Mrs. Sheridan and Mrs. Tickell) - Thomas Gainsborough

A double portrait of Elizabeth Ann Sheridan and Mary Tickell by Thomas Gainsborough, capturing the sisters in a relaxed, naturalistic setting.

Thomas Gainsborough painted this double portrait of Elizabeth Ann Sheridan and Mary Tickell, daughters of the composer Thomas Linley, in 1772. The sisters were celebrated musicians in their own right, and Gainsborough, a keen amateur musician, maintained a close friendship with the family. The work depicts the two women in a woodland setting, a characteristic choice for the artist, who often preferred to place his sitters within a natural environment rather than a formal interior.

Elizabeth, standing on the left, rests her arm upon the shoulder of her seated sister, Mary. The composition relies on the interplay between their figures and the surrounding foliage. Gainsborough employs his signature fluid brushwork, particularly in the rendering of the silk dresses. The cool blue of Elizabeth's gown contrasts with the warm, golden-brown tones of Mary's attire, creating a visual balance that draws the eye across the canvas. The sisters hold a music score, a detail that acknowledges their professional background and personal interests.

This portrait demonstrates Gainsborough's ability to capture a sense of intimacy and ease. Unlike the rigid, formal poses common in eighteenth-century portraiture, the sisters appear relaxed and engaged with one another. The background, while dark and atmospheric, provides a sense of depth without distracting from the primary subjects. The painting remains a fine example of Gainsborough's mature style, where his interest in the natural world merges with his skill in capturing the likeness and character of his sitters. The work is currently held in the collection of the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London.