The artwork titled “Thomas and Henry Sergeant” was created by Charles Willson Peale in 1787. This painting, belonging to the Rococo art movement, is a portrait genre artwork.
In the artwork, two young boys, Thomas and Henry Sergeant, are depicted in an affectionate pose, each with an arm around the other. Both boys are dressed in dark green jackets with white collars and shirts underneath. One of the boys is also holding a hat in his left hand, while the other, standing slightly behind, rests his right hand on the head of a dog. The boys’ expressions are serene and calm, implying a sense of warmth and camaraderie. The background is muted with hints of landscape features, directing the viewer’s attention to the detailed portrayal of the subjects. The artist captures the innocence and close bond between the brothers, typical of portraiture during the Rococo period which often emphasized elegance and familial relationships.
