The artist and his family in their house at 21 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square

In this group portrait the artist John Partridge can be seen in the centre, standing at his easel, holding a palette in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. He is with his wife, Clementina, who has her arm linked through his as she gazes at the painting in progress. The couple had no children, but around them are other members of the Partridge family. In the background a group of the artist's brothers and sisters play musical instruments, while others read and chat amicably. Older family members sit around a table and seem to be engaged in business matters, such as counting money.

The painting must post-date 1828 when Partridge moved to this residence in Brook Street, which also doubled as his studio. The room, depicted here, probably a drawing room, is decorated in the Biedermier style, with deep red walls, large paintings and bookcases.

As a successful portrait painter, Partridge had a number of illustrious patrons, including Queen Victoria, whose portrait he painted on several occasions. Although Partridge exibited at the Royal Academy, his pictures were often badly hung and in 1864 he openly criticised the Academy in a pamphlet entitled 'On the Constitution and Management of the Royal Academy'.