Pierre-Antoine-Auguste Vafflard – Edward Young (1683–1765) and His Step-Daughter Elizabeth Temple (d. 1736) Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents two figures struggling against a forceful wind, set against a dramatically dark and turbulent sky. A man, dressed in formal attire – a coat with prominent lapels and breeches – is positioned slightly forward, his body angled towards the viewer as he appears to guide or support an older individual shrouded in white fabric. The second figure’s face is largely obscured by this drapery, though a long, flowing beard is visible, suggesting advanced age.
The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by dark greens, browns, and blacks, which contribute to the overall sense of gloom and unease. Light sources are scarce; a lantern held by the man casts a weak glow on their immediate surroundings, highlighting the swirling fabric and emphasizing the intensity of the wind. The brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the sky and the billowing drapery, which conveys movement and instability.
The positioning of the figures suggests a narrative of protection or assistance. The man’s firm grip on the other individuals arm implies a responsibility to safeguard them from the elements – or perhaps something more symbolic than just inclement weather. The obscured face of the older person invites speculation; it could represent vulnerability, fragility, or even a connection to the past.
The landscape is minimal, consisting primarily of a dark, undefined ground that slopes upwards towards the horizon. This lack of detail focuses attention on the figures and their struggle. The overall effect is one of melancholy and perhaps foreboding, hinting at themes of age, dependence, and the challenges faced in navigating lifes uncertainties. There’s an underlying sense of burden carried by the man, both physically and emotionally, as he guides the older individual through a difficult passage.