Portrait of a Venetian Family with a Manservant Serving Coffee, Pietro Longhi, c. 1752

Portrait of a Venetian Family with a Manservant Serving Coffee, Pietro Longhi, c. 1752

oil on canvas, h 60.2cm × w 48.2cm More details

In his paintings, Longhi usually poked gentle fun at the everyday activities of the Venetian elite. This is not, however, the case here. It is simply a portrait of a family drinking coffee, with the lady of the house taking centre stage. The conspicuous inclusion of the servant is noteworthy. He must have been a valued member of the household.

On display in room 1.4