The artwork “Mrs. John Winthrop (Hannah Fayerweather)” was painted by John Singleton Copley in the year 1773. It is an oil painting on canvas, falling within the Neoclassicism art movement. The portrait measures 90.17 centimeters in height and 73.03 centimeters in width. It is a genre painting, specifically a portrait depicting an individual.
In the artwork, a woman is portrayed in a three-quarter view sitting against a dark, undefined background that accentuates her figure. She appears poised and directly engages the viewer with a steady, forthright gaze. Her facial expression is one of quiet confidence and composure. She wears a richly colored blue dress with a low neckline framed by delicate white lace, which also adorns her sleeves, suggesting a sense of elegance and refinement.
The subject’s attire, which includes a bonnet adorned with ribbons, hints at the fashion of the period and reflects her social status. In her hands, she holds a sprig with green leaves and a ripe peach, which could symbolize fecundity and the sweetness of character. It is a personal and impactful depiction, likely commissioned to convey the grace and stature of Mrs. John Winthrop. The meticulous brushwork and attention to textures, particularly in the lace and the sheen of her dress, demonstrate Copley’s mastery in capturing intricate details and the sartorial and cultural tastes of his time.
