Look and Look Again: “The Sisters” by Rembrandt Peale

Picture of “The Sisters”– Rembrandt Peale, as depicted in the Brooklyn Museum. (Image collected from Google Arts & Culture)

First Look

 

  • A collection of warm and inviting colors towards the middle, surrounded by a trimming of darker material colors
  • Clearly defined textures and varieties of cloths/furs
  • The sisters are shown looking almost directly into the eyes of the painter, with a direct focus of view
  • The brush strokes transfer great detail: strands of curly hair, wrinkles in the dresses of the female characters, contrast and softness of skin, glassines in the eyes of the girls
  • It is almost eerie the way their eyes focus, staring so intently, it is as if they watch you whenever as you move, tracking your eyes as you watch theirs

 

Second Look

 

 

  • There is a clear sense of color, the dark blacks, deep reds and luxurious golds, but a closer look shows green of deep emerald (towards the bottom left)
  • There is a paintbrush in the first sister’s hand, and the paint palette shows those same green colors, as if she was painting and was caught off guard- or staged to look so by the painter
  • There is a whimsical and soft look from both of the sisters, but a slight curve is seen in the lips of the second (maybe younger) sister whereas a more “maternal” feeling is portrayed through the eyes and the facial feelings of the first sister
  • These sisters exhibit an almost “Siamese twin” vibe, due to their similarity in appearances; as well as the illusion of them almost being connected in body- as if this painting was slightly expressing one person with two heads and two personalities.
  • It is almost as if the sisters are trying to discern what you are thinking about them, as you do the same with respect to them