Mrs. Daniel Hubbard (Mary Greene)

John Singleton Copley

Created:
Movement:
c. 1764
None
key Notes:
Colonial American portraiture, Elegant attire
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
127.6 × 100.9 cm (50 1/4 × 39 3/4 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. Daniel Hubbard (Mary Greene)" is a portrait painted by John Singleton Copley, an influential American artist known for his realistic and detailed depictions of colonial American subjects. The painting features Mary Greene, the wife of Daniel Hubbard, a prominent Boston merchant. Copley created this work in the 1770s, a period marked by his focus on portraiture that captured the social status and individuality of his sitters. The composition emphasizes Greene's elegance and refinement, showcasing her attire and accessories, which reflect the fashion of the time. Copley's technique includes a meticulous rendering of textures, particularly in the fabric of the dress and the delicate features of the subject. The portrait is significant within the context of American art as it exemplifies Copley's ability to convey both personal identity and the broader cultural values of colonial America. The work is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it contributes to the understanding of portraiture in the 18th century.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. Daniel Hubbard (Mary Greene)" by John Singleton Copley is an oil on canvas portrait that exemplifies the artist's mastery in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects. The composition features a seated woman, identified as Mary Greene, who is depicted in a three-quarter pose, conveying a sense of engagement with the viewer. She is attired in a white gown with intricate detailing, which contrasts with the darker background, enhancing her prominence in the composition. The use of light and shadow is skillfully executed, creating a sense of depth and volume in her figure. Copley’s attention to texture is evident in the rendering of the fabric and the delicate lace at her neckline. The subject's expression is serene yet confident, reflecting the social status and poise of the sitter. The painting is characterized by a rich color palette, with warm tones that contribute to the overall warmth of the portrait. Copley’s technique demonstrates a keen observation of human features, particularly in the nuanced portrayal of the subject's facial features and hands. The background is relatively subdued, allowing the figure to remain the focal point of the work. Overall, the painting exemplifies Copley's ability to blend realism with a refined aesthetic, characteristic of American portraiture in the 18th century.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Mrs. Daniel Hubbard (Mary Greene)