This is a pair of original oil paintings dating to 1779. The pair depict John Lyall and his wife Susanna Lyall of Norfolk, England. Handwritten notes on the back identify the sitters. These paintings hung for most of their lifetimes in the house "Old Rectory" South Wooten, Kings Lynn. They have descended in the family of John and Susanna Lyall. The paintings bear inscriptions on the back painted by "Ralph". Ralph Earl was an American portrait painter who left for England in 1778 disguising himself as a British officer. He is known to have painted portraits of English notables during his time in Great Britain. However, these portraits are more in the manner of Benjamin West under whom Earl studied in London. Both paintings have old relines with replaced stretchers and bear a tag for W. Boswell & Son in Norwich.Frame: 33 1/2 x 28 3/4". Sight: 29 1/4 x 24 1/4".

Craquelure to the painted surface.Losses to the paint on the upper left side of John's portrait. Minor wear and some losses to the frames.