Mrs. Jacob Hurd and Child

Mrs. Jacob Hurd and Child by William Johnston

William Johnston, an American artist active in the mid-18th century, painted "Mrs. Jacob Hurd and Child" in 1762 using oil on canvas. This work exemplifies the colonial American portraiture style, characterized by its attention to detail and emphasis on the social status of the subjects. Johnston's portraits often reflect the cultural and economic aspirations of the emerging American elite during this period. The painting is significant for its depiction of maternal themes and the representation of familial bonds in colonial America. Johnston's work contributes to the understanding of American identity formation and the role of portraiture in documenting personal and societal narratives. His oeuvre provides valuable insights into the artistic practices and societal values of pre-Revolutionary America.

"Mrs. Jacob Hurd and Child" by William Johnston, created in 1762, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the colonial American portrait style with its focus on detailed representation and formal composition. The artwork depicts a mother and child, capturing the social status and domestic life of the period, and is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.