… is little sense, however, of the spoken word in such portraits: lips are never parted. Rather, these are diagrammatic displays of the physical gestures that framed sociable exchange: hands arranged according to the edicts of the conduct … common and popular sociable pastimes of the day. Figures characteristically lay down and pick up cards, whilst partners playing whist confer about their hands. Women preside over elaborate tea tables, often with one hand placed … not uncommon to commission more than one version of such a portrait, so that two or more of the sitters could own and display it. This is particularly notable with conversation pieces executed in Italy in the second half of the century, …