Born in Bordentown, New Jersey, Joseph Wright was an artist known for both his paintings and work as an engraver for the United States Mint. He married Sarah Vandervoordt in Philadelphia on December 5, 1789, and they had three children together. This striking family portrait is intriguing because it documents Wright's visit to England, specifically to a family estate. As researcher James Heffernan notes, it is possible that Wright visited England before his marriage to Sarah as his sister married an English painter, and they lived in London.

It is unclear to what extent Wright conducted commissioned work in England, but this painting represents one example. Based on the canvas stretcher inscription, the portrait's subjects are most certainly Mr. Nelson Gribble (b. 1735), Lord of Wreyland Manor, and his family, and they are standing on the grounds of their estate in East Town, Kenton, Devon. An old interior photograph of Wreyland Manor showcases the painting on the wall of the Lower Parlour, which provides a solid piece of evidence for the family connection. Gribble stands confidently in the center of the painting, and his wife, Honor Langworthy (b. 1740?), is seated at the far right. Their children are depicted from left to right: Joseph, John, Nelson (holding family dog), Mary, and Elizabeth. (For more information, please refer to James Heffernan's research services report).

Publication History: James Heffernan, "Finding Mr. Wright: A Research Services Case Study", American Ancestors by New England Historic Geneological Society(Spring 2020), Vol. 21, No. 1, pg. 52-54.