The brothers Lind - two portraits by George Romney

 

Francis Lind, circa 1775-76.

Francis Lind (13 February 1753-1840), British gentleman, he served in the Indian Civil Service. He married his cousin, Ann Cooper, in 1785. In the portrait, Lind is holding a one-keyed Simpson ivory flute. Both the portrait and the flute were retained by the family until the early twentieth century.

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Edward George Lind, 1776.

Edward George Lind (1754-?), British gentleman. He married Elizabeth Ainslie in 1786; she sat for Romney in 1787-88, as did both of her parents.

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The sitters were the sons of Captain Francis Lind of the 14th Regiment of Foot and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Major Montague Farrer. The family seat was Gorgie near Edinburgh, but by the date of the two portraits the Linds were established in Westmorland in the north of England - it's thought that the backgrounds of both paintings are meant to evoke the Lake District - as well at Strafford Place, London. The family's wealth was derived from the drapery business. The portraits were commissioned by the brother's mother.