The Ladies Waldegrave

"The Ladies Waldegrave" is a portrait painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1780–81, now housed in the Scottish National Gallery, which acquired it in 1952. Executed on canvas using oil paints, the work depicts the three daughters of James Waldegrave, 2nd Earl Waldegrave, and Maria Walpole—Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Anna—in a relaxed Rococo-style composition. Commissioned by their mother to attract suitors, this elegant portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1781 and exemplifies Reynolds' mastery of capturing youthful femininity and aristocratic grace.