The artwork titled “Mrs. Thrale and her Daughter Hester (Queeney)” was created by Joshua Reynolds between 1777 and 1778. Painted with oil on canvas, this portrait belongs to the Rococo art movement. It measures 140.4 x 148.6 cm and is currently housed in the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, Canada.
The artwork depicts a serene and intimate scene featuring Mrs. Thrale and her daughter Hester, known affectionately as Queeney. Mrs. Thrale is seated with a contemplative expression, her elaborate white gown adorned with a red sash, which is richly textured and detailed, giving a sense of luster and movement. Her daughter, Hester, is positioned slightly behind her, gazing towards her mother with an admiring glance, dressed in a golden-yellow gown. The background is characterized by a lush landscape with a dimly lit, serene sky, which contrasts with the brightly illuminated figures, further emphasizing their presence and the tender relationship conveyed. The composition balances both figures harmoniously, highlighting their connection whilst evoking a sense of elegance and grace typical of the Rococo style.
