#25433 John Singleton Copley (1738-1815)

Here we observe a portrait depicting a woman in what appears to be late 18th-century attire. The composition is structured around a three-quarter view of the sitter, positioned slightly left of center against a backdrop that blends architectural elements with an indistinct landscape. A heavy red curtain drapes from the upper left corner, creating a sense of theatricality and framing the figure.
The woman’s expression is reserved; her gaze directed towards the viewer conveys a quiet dignity rather than overt emotion. Her hair is styled in the fashionable coiffure of the period, neatly arranged and powdered. She wears a dark green gown with a pale yellow bodice, accented by a white shawl draped across her shoulders. The fabric appears to be rendered with meticulous attention to texture and light, suggesting an emphasis on displaying wealth and refinement.
In her hands, she holds a bouquet of flowers – primarily lilies, interspersed with other blooms in shades of red and blue. This floral arrangement is not merely decorative; it carries symbolic weight. Lilies often represent purity and innocence, while the inclusion of other colors might allude to more complex emotions or associations depending on the specific botanical choices. The gesture of holding the bouquet also contributes to a sense of grace and poise.
The background reveals glimpses of an Italianate garden – a stone balustrade leads to a distant view punctuated by a tall, slender cypress tree. This landscape element suggests a connection to classical ideals and possibly hints at travel or cultural sophistication. The muted tones of the sky contribute to a subdued atmosphere, drawing attention back to the figure in the foreground.
Subtly, the painting conveys an impression of status and social standing. The quality of the fabrics, the elaborate hairstyle, and the carefully curated background all point towards a subject of considerable means. Beyond this surface display, however, there is a restraint in her expression that suggests a more complex inner life – a quiet confidence rather than ostentatious pride. The overall effect is one of dignified composure and understated elegance, characteristic of portraiture intended to project an image of respectability and refinement within the social hierarchy of the time.