A Gipsy Girl

In the 18th century everyday life scenes like this (often featuring those thought of as “peasant” or “beggar” children) were called fancy pictures. Usually children were portrayed innocently, but the girl in this painting is carrying off a chicken while an irate farmer gives chase in the distance.

It’s been suggested that the model for this work was Maria Siddons, the younger daughter of the actress Sarah Siddons, who was famous for her roles in tragedies. During the 1790s Lawrence was supposedly engaged to Sarah Siddons’ eldest daughter Sally, but abandoned her to embark on a relationship with Maria instead. When Maria died in 1798, Thomas went back to Sally.