Unraveling the Family Trees of the Gilded Age's Russell & Van Rhijn-Brook Dynasties

Article Overview

The Gilded Age explores the clash between old money families, like the van Rhijns, and new money families, like the Russells, during the industrial revolution.

The rivalry between the van Rhijn and Russell families escalates as their mansions on prestigious 61st street directly oppose each other. In Edith Wharton's novel, The Gilded Age, Bertha Russell and Agnes van Rhijn, among other characters, maneuver through the intricacies of the upper-class society, striving for success, influence, and the preservation of their family's reputation.

During the period of industrial innovation and rapid capital growth known as the Gilded Age in the United States, Max's The Gilded Age delves into the manipulations of two notable New York families: the van Rhijn-Brooks and the Russells. Dominated by the distinguished Agnes van Rhijn (played by Christine Baranski), the van Rhijns are considered old money due to their ancestral ties to the Mayflower. They represent the closest America has to aristocracy. In contrast, Bertha and George Russell represent the new money class, thanks to Mr. Russell's lucrative railroad empire, which has allowed them to secure a position in established society.

As the industrial revolution progressed and brought forth the Gilded Age, many long-standing cultural norms were disrupted. Not everyone, however, welcomed the changes that diminished their power. Families like the van Rhijns aimed to assert their status as gatekeepers, while families like the Russells saw their prejudice as outdated and viewed their exclusionary efforts as a challenge. The social maneuvering between the van Rhijns and the Russells is heightened by the fact that their residences face each other on the highly desirable 61st street, providing ample fodder for the melodrama of The Gilded Age's potential seasons 2 and 3.

The Gilded Age's Russell Family Tree

Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon)

The phrase, "behind every man is a great woman" may have originated from Bertha Russell, the ambitious and determined matriarch of the Russell family. From the moment she settled into her extravagant palace on 61st Street, she was determined to join New York City's most exclusive group of socialites, despite being considered "new money." Mrs. Russell fully understands the hidden subtleties and underlying messages in any social gathering or interaction. To her, society is like a strategic game of chess, and she is determined to emerge victorious at any cost, especially when facing rivals like Agnes van Rhijn and Mary Astor.

George Russell (Morgan Spector)

George Russell, a prominent figure in the business world, holds the position of a patriarch within the Russell family. He is the devoted husband of Bertha and loving father to Larry and Gladys. Having amassed his wealth through his successful endeavors in the railroad industry, where he efficaciously transported valuable resources and materials nationwide, George is known for his sharp business skills. However, his dedication to his family is equally unparalleled. While he shares a passion with Mrs. Russell for outsmarting competitors in the business arena and establishing his dominance in finance and venture capitalism, beneath his determined exterior, he reveals an unexpectedly romantic side.

Larry Russell (Harry Richardson)

The son of George and Bertha Russell and elder brother of Gladys Russell, Larry Russell lacks social finesse compared to his parents. However, his visionary mindset compensates for his lack of tact. After his graduation from Harvard, this charming heir of the Russell family aspires to establish himself as a renowned architect and forms connections with influential individuals. Unlike his parents, he pays less attention to appearances and is determined to forge his own path, which has led him to pursue Mrs. Blaine, a captivating widow, and potentially Marian Brook.

Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga)

Gladys Russell, the youngest child of George and Bertha Russell, lacks the same freedom as her older brother Larry. Unlike Larry, she craves the opportunity to make her society debut and mingle with the upper class. However, she often feels confined in a luxurious existence, unable to have control over her own life. While Gladys has a close relationship with her father, she perceives her mother as both domineering and emotionally distant. It is primarily her mother's strict rules that prompted her to consider marrying Oscar van Rhijn as a means to escape from her suffocating home life.

The Gilded Age's Van Rhijn-Brook Family Tree

Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski)

Known as the imperious grand dame of 61 Street and Fifth Avenue, Agnes van Rhijn has assumed the role of the matriarch of the van Rhijn family since her late husband's passing. With unwavering authority and strength, she not only safeguards the family's esteemed reputation but also manages their considerable fortune. Unyielding in her disapproval of individuals who dare to enter society without adhering to its unspoken rules, she serves as a formidable enforcer for the traditional elite. Agnes perceives the Russell family as not only vulgar but also as a dangerous threat to her own legitimacy and influence. In contrast to her sister, Ada Brook, Agnes is less inclined towards compassion and instead keeps a vigilant eye on her niece, Marian Brook, as she skillfully maneuvers through the treacherous waters of high society.

Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon)

Agnes' younger sister, Ada Brook, brings a more compassionate temperament to the van Rhijn-Brook household, which is part of the old guard. As the moral center, she is tasked with maintaining harmony between Agnes and Marian as they navigate the complexities of societal expectations. Despite being labeled a "spinster," Ada, who has never been married herself, yearns for love and finds solace in living vicariously through her niece and the other young women who have endless opportunities ahead of them.

Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson)

Marian Brook, a newcomer to New York City, enjoys the privileges of her family lineage as the niece of Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, both of whom come from a long line of affluent individuals. Despite her roots in the traditional elite of "old New York," Marian is determined to challenge the established norms and conventions, both in her close friendship with Peggy Scott and in her career as an art teacher. Although she has experienced heartbreak, notably with Mr. Raikes, Marian remains hopeful that her chance at finding true love has not passed her by. However, her growing connection with Larry Russell could potentially disrupt the delicate balance within the van Rhijn household.

Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson)

Oscar van Rhijn, despite being the rightful inheritor of the vast van Rhijn fortune and being considered the prodigal son of Agnes in The Gilded Age, finds himself walking a delicate balance between preserving his social standing and cultivating a reputation as a socialite. Oscar is aware that, at some point, he will be required to marry a suitable woman approved by his mother and start a family in order to uphold the van Rhijn legacy. However, this path necessitates concealing his homosexuality and sacrificing his own happiness. His attempt to propose to Gladys Russell is thwarted by Mr. Russell, compelling him to search for an alternative solution.

Editor's P/S

The article unravels the intricate family trees of the Russell and Van Rhijn-Brook families in the captivating world of The Gilded Age. It provides insights into the dynamic characters and their relationships, setting the stage for an enthralling exploration of the clash between old and new money families during the industrial revolution.

The rivalry between the van Rhijns and Russells intensifies as their mansions directly oppose each other on prestigious 61st street. In Edith Wharton's novel, The Gilded Age, Bertha Russell and Agnes van Rhijn, among other characters, navigate the complexities of upper-class society, striving for success, influence, and the preservation of their family's reputation.

As a fan of The Gilded Age, I am excited to delve deeper into the family trees of the Russell and Van Rhijn-Brook dynasties. The article provides a glimpse into the intricate relationships and rivalries that shape the narrative of the show, and I am eager to learn more about the characters and their motivations. The clash between old and new money is a central theme of the show, and I am curious to see how the writers explore this dynamic in future seasons.

Overall, I am intrigued by the complex characters and relationships in The Gilded Age, and I look forward to discovering more about the Russell and Van Rhijn-Brook families as the show progresses.