(Pennsylvania/New York/England, 1751-1849)

Three portraits of the Longworth Family: William Longworth, pastel on paper, 9-1/2 x 8 in. (sight), not taken out of frame, small area of spots on background at left arm, possibly from gold leaf flecks;  Francis and Miss Alicia Longworth, pastel on paper, 9-1/2 x 8-1/4 in. not taken out of frame, rubbing and fading to Miss Alicia; Mrs. Longworth and Daughter, pastel on paper, 9-3/4 x 8-1/2 in., not taken out of frame, minimal flecks of gold leaf from mat at lower edge; all in matching period gilt wood frames with eglomise mats,  14-1/2 x 13-1/8 (William); 15 x 13-1/2 (Francis and Miss Alicia); 15 x 13-1/2 (Mrs. Longworth and daughter), all frames with rubbing, wear, and some losses to gilt

Note: The Sharples Family specialized in pastel portraits and miniatures, and worked both together and separately, making their work difficult to ascribe individually. The artists in the family were James (Sr., 1751-1811), his wife Ellen (1769-1849), and sons Felix (1786-1844) and James Jr. (1789-1839).

 The Longworths pictured here  were members of a prominent Irish Family with the family seat at Creggen Castle in Westmeath, Ireland.  In all likelihood, this particular William and Francis were brothers, and the mother and daughter with the dog were Francis's wife Maria and a younger daughter.