Behind the Painting: Pompeo Batoni’s Sad Family Portrait

Pompeo Batoni, Thomas Barrett-Lennard (1717–1786), Later 17th Lord Dacre, with his Wife, Anna Maria Pratt (d.1806), and their Daughter, Barbara Anne, 1749-50. Image from Art UK.

Pompeo Batoni's portrait of Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, his wife Anna Maria Pratt, and their daughter Barbara Anne is a poignant testament to the profound emotional and social dynamics of the 18th-century British aristocracy. This family portrait, capturing a moment of introspective sadness, encapsulates both the personal depth and the cultural milieu of its subjects. As the Barrett-Lennard family navigates their emotions, the overall composition of the painting reveal layers of meaning that extend beyond mere representation, reflecting their somber dignity and understated elegance. This article delves into the artist behind the work, the historical context of the portrait, and the rich symbolism embedded within this evocative piece.

The Artist

Pompeo Batoni, Self-Portrait, 1773-74. Image from Web Gallery of Art.

Pompeo Batoni (1708–1787) was an Italian painter renowned for his portraits and history paintings, and he is often regarded as one of the foremost painters of 18th-century Rome. Born in Lucca, Batoni initially trained as a goldsmith under his father, but he eventually moved to Rome in 1727, where he studied the works of the Renaissance masters and the classical antiquities. His early exposure to the artistic treasures of Rome profoundly influenced his style, which seamlessly blended the classical traditions with the emerging Rococo aesthetics of his time.

Batoni's rise to prominence in Rome was marked by his ability to capture the essence of his sitters with remarkable precision and elegance. His portraits were highly sought after by European aristocrats, who traveled to Rome during the Grand Tour, a traditional trip undertaken by young European nobility to experience the art and culture of Italy. Batoni's clientele included popes, princes, and wealthy tourists, making him one of the most celebrated portraitists of his era. His works are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, vibrant color palette, and the inclusion of classical motifs, reflecting his deep admiration for antiquity.

The Painting

The painting "Thomas Barrett-Lennard (1717–1786), Later 17th Lord Dacre, with his Wife, Anna Maria Pratt (d.1806), and their Daughter, Barbara Anne" by Pompeo Batoni is a poignant family portrait. It depicts Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, his wife Anna Maria Pratt, and their first child, Barbara Anne. The painting is notable not only for its artistic excellence but also for the tragic story behind it. Barbara Anne died suddenly of a fever at the age of nine, a devastating loss for the family.

The portrait was commissioned during a period of profound grief. After Barbara Anne's untimely death, her parents embarked on the Grand Tour as a means of distraction and recovery. Their travels took them through Naples, Florence, Venice, and other Italian cities, eventually leading them to Rome around 1750, where they encountered Pompeo Batoni. Batoni painted Barbara Anne's likeness from a miniature by Thomas Hudson, which the couple had brought with them.

Historical Context

The 18th century, particularly in Europe, was a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural transformations. The Age of Enlightenment brought a flourishing of intellectual and philosophical thought that emphasized reason, individualism, and critical inquiry into traditional institutions. The Grand Tour was an integral part of this period, serving as an educational rite of passage for young aristocrats, primarily from Britain, who traveled across Europe to immerse themselves in its cultural and intellectual heritage.

Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, as a member of the British aristocracy, was deeply embedded in these cultural currents. His portrait by Batoni not only serves as a personal and familial record but also reflects his participation in the broader Enlightenment milieu. The inclusion of classical motifs and settings in the painting mirrors the intellectual ideals of antiquity and learning that were central to the Enlightenment.

Symbolism

Batoni's portrait of the Barrett-Lennard family is imbued with symbolism that reflects the values and aspirations of the 18th-century British aristocracy. Several elements within the painting can be interpreted to reveal deeper meanings:

• Gaze & Expression: One of the most striking features of the painting is the gaze of Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard and his wife, Anna Maria Pratt. Both parents are depicted looking intently at their daughter, Barbara Anne. This shared focus underscores the central role she played in their lives and highlights their deep affection for her. The expressions on their faces, marked by a profound sense of longing and grief, suggest the depth of their emotional pain and the desperation they feel in the wake of her untimely death. Their gazes are filled with a mixture of love, sorrow, and an almost palpable yearning to reclaim the moments lost with their beloved child.

• Position: Barbara Anne is positioned between her parents, visually signifying her pivotal role within the family. This central placement reinforces the idea that she was the heart of their lives, a source of joy and unity. Her death thus becomes even more tragic, as it represents the loss of this unifying presence. The physical arrangement of the figures, with the parents flanking their daughter, also suggests a protective and nurturing relationship, emphasizing their deep bond and the emptiness left by her absence.

• Flowers: Anna Maria holds a single flower in her hand, which can symbolize both the fragility and the brevity of life, a poignant reminder of Barbara Anne's short existence. The singularity of the flower might also represent the uniqueness of her daughter's life and the singular impact of her loss. Barbara Anne holds a bunch of bright flowers, which contrasts with her mother's single bloom. This bouquet could symbolize the vibrant potential and the unfulfilled promise of her young life. It also serves as a visual link to the pot of similar flowers in the background, creating a thematic connection to growth, beauty, and life that has been cut short.

• Closed Book: Sir Thomas holds a closed book, a symbol often associated with knowledge, wisdom, and the passage of time. In the context of this painting, the closed book may suggest the end of a chapter in the family's life, symbolizing Barbara Anne's death and the cessation of her personal story. It could also reflect the parents' attempt to find solace in contemplation or the idea that the full understanding of their loss remains elusive, closed off to them.

• Barbara Anne: Barbara Anne is the only figure in the painting who looks directly at the viewer. This direct gaze invites the audience into the family's intimate grief, creating a poignant connection between Barbara Anne and those who view the portrait. Her calm and innocent expression contrasts with the sorrow of her parents, possibly representing her peaceful innocence or an idealized memory that the parents cling to. The directness of her gaze can also be seen as an appeal to the viewer's empathy, drawing them into the emotional landscape of the painting and highlighting the tragedy of a life that ended too soon.

In conclusion, Pompeo Batoni's portrait of Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, his wife Anna Maria Pratt, and their daughter Barbara Anne is a poignant reflection of familial grief and the cultural context of 18th-century British aristocracy. Through meticulous composition and subtle symbolism, Batoni not only memorializes the personal tragedy of the Barrett-Lennard family but also encapsulates broader themes of Enlightenment ideals and the transient nature of life. His masterful blend of classical aesthetics with contemporary emotions underscores the portrait's enduring significance as a testament to human experience and the power of art to convey profound truths.