The Sisters

Adopted by Tim & Lucy Lindholm

This double portrait depicts the Pattle sisters, Sophia Dalrymple and Sara Prinsep, who both became close friends of Watts. Sophia warmly called the artist “Signor” due to his love of Italy - a nickname that would stay with him throughout his life. Raised in France and India the Pattle sisters are depicted wearing loose fitting, boldly coloured dresses that set them apart from society norms.

The large-scale and matt surface of this painting are reminiscent of fresco painting. Having travelled throughout Italy between 1843-47, Watts became influenced by this technique, in which paint is applied to a wet plaster surface.