The Savage Family
Artist
Edward Savage
(American, 1761–1817)
Dateabout 1779
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 65.4 × 87.6 cm (25 3/4 × 34 1/2 in.)
framed: 73.5 × 95.4 cm (28 15/16 × 37 9/16 in.)
framed: 73.5 × 95.4 cm (28 15/16 × 37 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of William A. Savage
Object number1964.7
Label TextA self-taught painter from Worcester County, Savage made this group portrait of his extended family before turning twenty. Here he depicts with specificity himself (the young artist at the far left holding a palette) accompanied by his grandfather, parents, and unidentified brothers and sisters. Savage’s initial struggles with perspective and anatomical proportions are evident in this work. The sitters—with large, carefully rendered heads placed on top of stunted bodies—awkwardly pose together within a slanted diamond-patterned floor. These elements reflect the painting’s eccentric charm, while projecting a sense of fragility, as indicated by the small basket of flowers. Despite his untrained eye in this portrait, Savage successfully went on to paint an important American family: the Washingtons.
ProvenanceWilliam A. Savage, Clearwater, FLOn View
Not on view
