What kind of artwork did members of the peale family paint?

a.

portraits

b.
landscapes

c.

abstract art

d.
genres

A, portraits

Explanation:

being part of a family with more than 20 artists in it. Father, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, all artists! This was the Peale family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The head of this family was Charles Willson Peale. He was one of the most important artists of his time. He painted well-known men and their families. He knew George Washington and painted his portrait at least 14 times!

As a young man, Charles Willson Peale started out as an apprentice in different trades. He began to notice painted portraits in his travels. He thought he could paint better portraits and set out to try.

He sailed to Europe and saw historic works. He studied with a well-known artist. Coming home to America, he set up his own studio. His years of hard work paid off. He became one of America's best painters.

Charles liked to make his paintings look as realistic, or representational, as possible. This painting of his sons was set into a doorframe. A small step led up to it. The painting looked so real the artist said his dog tried to climb up the stairs! This kind of painting is called a trompe l'oeil, or "fool the eye." the still life painting called Watermelon and Fruit is by Raphaelle Peale. He was the oldest of Charles Willson Peale's 17 children. Most of the children had the names of famous artists.

Still lifes weren't very popular in the 1800s. Most people wanted portraits. They were amazed at how artists could show someone's personality with brushes and paint. People thought it took less skill to paint fruit and dishes.