The artwork titled “Mrs. Samuel Hill” is a portrait painted by John Singleton Copley around the year 1764. This oil on canvas masterpiece is an exemplar of the Neoclassicism art movement and measures 128.2 by 102.9 centimeters. It is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The portrait portrays Mrs. Samuel Hill seated, exuding a sense of calm dignity. She is adorned in a modest, yet elegant, dark dress with white lace cuffs and a white bonnet, typical of the attire of respectable women of the 18th century. Her hands are gracefully folded in her lap, and her expression is one of composed serenity. The background features a rich, dark drapery that contrasts with her attire, drawing attention to her presence and emphasizing the classicism of the period. The meticulous attention to detail in the textures of the fabric and the realistic rendering of her facial features showcase Copley’s exceptional skill in portraiture. The work’s elegance and balanced composition echo the ideals of Neoclassicism, prioritizing clarity, order, and repose.
