The Honourable Charlotte Stuart (1817–1861) and the Honourable Louisa Stuart (1818–1891), Daughters of Sir Charles Stuart, Baron Stuart de Rothesay (1779–1845), Diplomat

George Hayter's 1830 portrait of Charlotte and Louisa Stuart, daughters of the diplomat Sir Charles Stuart, Baron Stuart de Rothesay, depicts two girls who would later become notable figures in Victorian aristocratic society — Charlotte as Countess Canning and Louisa as Marchioness of Waterford, the latter a distinguished amateur artist. Hayter was Queen Victoria's favorite portraitist, particularly for royal family groups; this earlier double portrait of aristocratic children shows the warmth and informal grace he brought to such commissions before his court appointment.

The double portrait of girls in a companion relationship requires careful balance between individual characterization and group harmony. Hayter places the sisters in close physical proximity with overlapping poses that suggest natural affection. His handling of children's soft skin and light dress is fluent and warm. The composition is informal without being artless.