Elizabeth and Mary Linley

This double portrait depicts sisters Elizabeth (the eldest) and Mary - of the famous musical family lynly. At the time, were both famous singers, but stopped a career, married (first at the age of 18 years, the second 22 years). Elizabeth became the wife of poet and playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Gainsborough painted your portrait from the beginning of 1771 until March 1772. In 1785-m at the request of the family, he made corrections, "disguised" girls in the more fashionable dresses. Thus, the picture dates from 1771 - 1772 and 1785.