Van Dyck, Anthony – Portrait of Elizabeth and Philadelphia Wharton Hermitage ~ part 02

The composition presents two young girls standing side-by-side within a carefully constructed setting. The eldest, positioned slightly ahead, is dressed in a pristine white gown with delicate lace detailing at the neckline and sleeves. A sheer shawl drapes loosely over her shoulders, adding a touch of refinement to her appearance. Her hair, styled with curls escaping from beneath a decorative headpiece, frames a face exhibiting an air of quiet dignity. The younger girl, positioned slightly behind and to the right, wears a blue dress, its simpler design contrasting with the elaborate attire of her sister. She appears engaged in a playful interaction, gently touching her sibling’s arm.
The background is divided into two distinct zones. To the left, a landscape unfolds under a cloudy sky; trees are suggested by dark foliage and a hint of distant water. This naturalistic backdrop contrasts sharply with the solid, dark green curtain that fills the right side of the canvas, creating a sense of depth and isolating the figures within the pictorial space. A small dog sits at the girls feet, its posture suggesting alertness and loyalty.
The arrangement of the subjects suggests familial connection and social standing. The eldest girl’s more elaborate dress and forward positioning imply seniority or perhaps greater importance within the family hierarchy. The gesture between the two children – the touch on the arm – is ambiguous; it could signify affection, a playful tease, or even an attempt at guidance from the older sister to the younger.
The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated wealth. The artist’s attention to detail in rendering fabrics and textures underscores the subjects privileged status. The subdued color palette, dominated by whites, blues, and greens, contributes to a sense of formality and decorum characteristic of portraiture from this period. The inclusion of the dog reinforces notions of domesticity and loyalty, while the landscape hints at the family’s connection to land and property. A small inscription is visible in the lower left corner, likely detailing the identities of the sitters and their lineage – a common practice intended to solidify their place within the social order.