John Verney, 14th Baron Willoughby de Broke (1738-1816) and Lady Louisa North (1737-1816) his wife Johann Zoffany (1733-1810)

The composition presents a domestic interior, likely within a stately home, centered around a seated couple and their children. The arrangement suggests a formal portraiture intended to convey status and familial harmony.
Here we see the male figure positioned slightly above the female, leaning towards her with an expression of gentle amusement or affection. His posture is relaxed yet authoritative; he sits on what appears to be a cushioned chair, suggesting comfort and privilege. The woman, seated beside him, maintains a dignified composure, her gaze directed outwards, perhaps acknowledging visitors or overseeing the scene. Her elaborate gown, rendered in rich teal fabric with intricate detailing, underscores her social standing.
Three children are incorporated into the arrangement. One is perched on the table between the parents, seemingly engaged in an activity involving small dishes and what appears to be a silver teapot. The other two stand flanking the table; one reaches towards the tableware, while the other holds a wooden toy horse, suggesting childhood innocence and playfulness. Their attire mirrors the elegance of their parents’ clothing, albeit scaled down for youthful wear.
The setting itself is meticulously rendered. A fireplace dominates the left side of the canvas, its mantelpiece adorned with decorative elements and topped by a landscape painting – a window onto an idealized exterior world. Heavy drapes frame the right side of the composition, adding to the sense of opulence and enclosure. The floor is covered with a richly patterned rug, further emphasizing the household’s wealth.
Subtleties within the scene hint at deeper meanings. The arrangement of the children suggests not only familial affection but also an emphasis on lineage and succession. Their presence reinforces the idea of a prosperous and enduring family line. The inclusion of domestic objects – tableware, toys, furnishings – serves to ground the portrait in a specific social context, highlighting the comforts and luxuries afforded by their position. The overall impression is one of carefully constructed propriety and understated grandeur, designed to project an image of stability, wealth, and familial virtue.