Artwork
Lady Hester King (died 1873)

Lady Hester King (died 1873) is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist John Hoppner. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The portrait Lady Hester King, painted in 1807 by John Hoppner, is executed in oil on canvas, the support specified for the work.
The portrait Lady Hester King, painted in 1807 by John Hoppner, is executed in oil on canvas, the support specified for the work. Measuring 76.2 cm by 63.5 cm, the painting is catalogued as a portrait and was created using oil paint, as documented in its provenance. Its formal classification as a portrait reflects the genre conventions of the period, and the work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it is displayed.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Lady Hester King is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is listed as both its collection and location. Painted by John Hoppner in 1807, the work is executed in oil on canvas and measures 76.2 by 63.5 centimeters. The available records do not specify an accession number or document any exhibition history for the painting.
Overview
This oil painting by John Hoppner, created in 1807, presents a formal portrait of Lady Hester King. The artwork, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, captures the likeness of its subject using oil paint. It serves as a significant example of early 19th-century portraiture, showcasing the artist's approach to depicting prominent figures of the era.
Subject & Meaning
Lady Hester King is depicted with dark, curly hair and a pale complexion, her gaze subtly directed towards the left. She wears a white dress featuring a low neckline, conveying a sense of refined taste. Her expression carries a slight, enigmatic smile, contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The choice of attire and hairstyle further emphasizes her elegant demeanor, characteristic of the period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Hoppner was an English painter, much influenced by Joshua Reynolds, who achieved fame as a colourist.


















