The Captivating Saga Behind the Only Known Portrait of the Brontë Sisters
Artnet News
by Katie WhiteMarch 3, 2026
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The only known painting of the Brontë sisters—Emily, Charlotte, and Anne—was created by their brother Branwell in 1834 and is now part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. This rare and historically significant artwork has recently gained attention as it tours Asia, showcasing the sisters’ youthful likenesses in a exhibition called “Writers Revealed.” The portrait, which depicts Anne, Emily, and Charlotte from left to right, stands out as a unique artifact linking art and literature, offering insight into the Brontës’ early lives and their enduring legacy.
Branwell Brontë, though overshadowed by his sisters’ fame, was a talented but troubled artist. Born in 1817, he grew up in Haworth Parsonage with his sisters after their mother’s death in 1821. Unlike his sisters, who were sent to school, Branwell received classical training at home and developed a passion for art and literature. He created the portrait of his sisters during his teenage years, at just 17, when they were still in their teens as well. This painting is notable not only for its historical value but also for the glimpse it provides into the Brontës’ close-knit family life and shared imagination.
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Originally published on Artnet News on 3/3/2026