Parents communicate their aspirations for their children in various ways. Charles Willson Peale was not subtle; he named 6 of his 17 children Raphaelle, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Angelica Kauffmann, and Sophonisba Angusciola. The strategy worked. Three of them grew up to be professional artists, including Rembrandt Peale, who painted this affectionate portrait of his 17-year-old brother Rubens when the artist was 23.
Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860), Rubens Peale with a Geranium, 1801. Oil on canvas, 71.4 × 61 cm. From the Patrons’ Permanent Fund, © 2005 Board of Trustees, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.