The artwork titled “Mrs. Seymour Fort,” executed by John Singleton Copley circa 1778, represents a quintessential example of Neoclassicism. Created using oil on canvas, the portrait measures 125.73 x 100.65 cm. It belongs to the genre of portraiture and is currently housed in the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, United States.
The artwork portrays a seated elderly lady dressed in elaborate, period-appropriate attire, signifying affluence and refinement. She wears a white bonnet adorned with lace, which frames her face. The intricate details of her white, frilled blouse and the dark, voluminous outer garment suggest an era-specific sophistication, meticulously captured through Copley’s precise brushwork. Her serene yet solemn expression, along with her poised posture, elicits a sense of dignity and grace. The background features opulent drapery, enhancing the grandeur of the portrait and drawing attention to the subject’s social standing. The meticulous rendering of textures and the subtle play of light and shadow reflect Copley’s mastery in creating a realistic and intimate representation of Mrs. Seymour Fort.
