Mr Taylor was a trustee of Haworth Church and instrumental in Patrick BrontëÂ’s appointment to the living. Maria was a friend to Charlotte Brontë, Branwell's sister. It is believed that the painting was originally a full-length portrait, which must have represented a valuable commission for Branwell as he set out to create a career for himself as a portrait painter.

Provenance

By descent through the sitterÂ’s family. Previously on loan to Bronte Parsonage Museum.