Although the sitters in the present work remain unidentified, Ellen D’Oench drew attention to the similarities between the poses and composition of a double portrait of Edward and Barbara Parker of Browsholme Hall, Yorkshire, signed and dated 1757 (op. cit., 1980, p. 61, no. 34). The horse and groom in the background, as well as a similar stable and church spire appear in both works.
A study for the figures in this painting was sold in these rooms on 3 June 2004, lot 51.