The artwork titled “Mrs. Sylvanus Bourne” was painted in 1766 by the artist John Singleton Copley. This oil on canvas piece, created during the Neoclassicism movement, measures 101.6 by 127.6 cm. It is a portrait, capturing a dignified representation of the subject, Mrs. Sylvanus Bourne.
In the artwork, Mrs. Sylvanus Bourne is depicted seated in a serene and composed manner. She is dressed in traditional and modest attire, indicative of the 18th century, featuring a white shawl over a brown dress. Her hands are delicately gloved, and she holds a small book, suggesting a sense of literacy and refinement. The background is neutral and unobtrusive, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the sitter, enhancing the overall elegance and poise captured by Copley’s meticulous brushwork. The subdued color palette and detailed rendering of textures, such as the fabric of her dress and the upholstery of the chair, reflect the Neoclassical emphasis on restraint and clarity.
