The artwork titled “Portrait of Mrs. John Stevens (Judith Sargent, later Mr. John Murray)” was created by the artist John Singleton Copley between 1770 and 1772. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, a poised woman is depicted seated against a dark, somber background. She is dressed in a luxurious, pale satin gown that accentuates the texture and folds of the fabric. Her right arm rests elegantly on a surface, while her left arm is adorned with a floral arrangement of delicate, intricately painted flowers that cascade across her lap. The woman’s composed expression and the serene, dignified demeanor of her posture reflect the sophistication and grace characteristic of Copley’s portraiture during this period. The lighting in the piece highlights her facial features and the luster of her gown, creating a striking contrast against the subdued backdrop, thereby focusing the viewer’s attention on the subject’s dignified presence.
