Margaret Beckford, later Margaret Orde, and Susan Euphemia Beckford, later Duchess of Hamilton: The Beckford children

English family portraits placed a premium on birth order. Romney articulates the relative status of Margaret and Susan Beckford in a variety of ways. Elder sister Margaret’s erect stance, elegantly placed hands, and direct gaze signal her dominance and sophistication, while Susan’s upward glance and crouching posture express the admiration and dependency of a younger sibling.