The artwork titled “Mrs. Thomas Boylston,” was created by John Singleton Copley in 1766. This oil-on-canvas portrait adheres to the stylistic principles of Neoclassicism and measures 101.9 x 129.5 cm.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman, identified as Mrs. Thomas Boylston, seated in an opulent interior setting. She wears an elegant, dark satin dress with a white bonnet and shawl, conveying an air of dignified simplicity. Her hands are clasped, holding a small item, while her composed expression and the slight smile suggest a sense of inner calm and poise. With its precise attention to detail and the meticulous rendering of textures, particularly in the luxurious fabric of the dress and the soft sheen of the bonnet, Copley’s work captures the grace and bearing of his subject. The dark background serves to highlight the figure, drawing the viewer’s focus to her serene countenance and sophisticated attire, which reflect the neoclassical ideals of clarity, order, and balance.
