Artwork
Mrs. Richard Bache (Sarah Franklin, 1743–1808)

Mrs. Richard Bache (Sarah Franklin, 1743–1808) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist John Hoppner. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The composition follows the conventions of late-eighteenth-century portraiture, presenting the subject in a three-quarter view against a muted background.
John Hoppner executed Mrs. Richard Bache as an oil painting on canvas in 1797. The work measures approximately 76.5 cm in height by 63.2 cm in width and is classified as a portrait. Executed in oil paint, the piece exemplifies the material practices of British portraiture of the period, employing smooth brushwork that models the sitter's features and renders the delicate drapery with subtle tonal shifts.
The composition follows the conventions of late-eighteenth-century portraiture, presenting the subject in a three-quarter view against a muted background. The painting is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1797, the oil-on-canvas portrait of Sarah Franklin Bache is the work of the British artist John Hoppner. It depicts the subject, also known as Mrs. Richard Bache, and measures 76.5 by 63.2 centimeters. The specific commissioning details and the chain of ownership prior to its current location are not recorded in the available sources.
The artwork is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a formal portrait of the sitter in oil on a canvas support.
Legacy
The portrait of Sarah Franklin Bache, painted by John Hoppner in 1797, is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. As a likeness of a daughter of Benjamin Franklin, the work contributes to the visual record of notable women of the early American republic, while its presence in a major museum reflects the recognized significance of both the painting and its British creator.
Overview
John Hoppner completed this oil portrait, "Mrs. Richard Bache (Sarah Franklin, 1743–1808)," in 1797. The painting depicts Sarah Franklin Bache, daughter of Benjamin Franklin, and is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It offers a glimpse into late 18th-century portraiture, capturing the sitter with a distinctive elegance and formal presentation.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of this portrait is Sarah Franklin Bache (1743–1808), the only daughter of American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Her formal attire, including a prominent white turban and shawl, suggests a certain social standing and fashion of the era. The artist presents her with a composed demeanor, reflecting the conventions of portraiture for prominent individuals during the late 18th century.
Context
Created in 1797, this work exemplifies the style of portraiture popular among the British elite during the late Georgian period. John Hoppner, a prominent artist of his time, was known for capturing the likenesses of notable figures. The painting reflects the artistic trends and social expectations for commissioned portraits, which often aimed to convey the sitter's status and character through refined presentation.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Hoppner was an English painter, much influenced by Joshua Reynolds, who achieved fame as a colourist.


















