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Mrs. John Puget (Catherine Hawkins) by http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/f0cac6bf6b7c3c93b09af7459fec22e5

http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/f0cac6bf6b7c3c93b09af7459fec22e5 · 1787-12-01

This portrait, "Mrs. John Puget (Catherine Hawkins)" by an artist from the British School, painted in 1787, showcases the distinct fashions and social presentation of a woman in the late 18th century. It is a compelling example of portraiture on an unusual support, copper.

Observe the sitter's serene expression, framed by her voluminous, powdered wig, a clear indicator of the era's style and her social standing. The artist's technique is evident in the thick impasto used to create texture in her hair and the delicate details of her ruffled collar and shawl, subtly highlighted with gold thread.

The choice of copper as a painting surface, rather than the more common canvas, is notable. This medium would have contributed to the painting's vibrant colors and luminosity, giving the portrait a unique depth and permanence. It allows for a remarkably smooth finish, enhancing the delicate features of Mrs. Puget.

What details of her attire or expression do you find most striking?

Details

Her expression suggests quiet confidence and composure.
Her expression suggests quiet confidence and composure.
In this era, elaborate wigs signaled wealth and status.
In this era, elaborate wigs signaled wealth and status.
Notice the thick paint, giving her hair real volume.
Notice the thick paint, giving her hair real volume.
A subtle gold thread adds richness to her simple shawl.
A subtle gold thread adds richness to her simple shawl.
The dark, plain background serves to isolate and emphasize the sitter, making her features the primary focus.
The dark, plain background serves to isolate and emphasize the sitter, making her features the primary focus.
Transcript

She is Mrs. John Puget, painted in 1787. Her expression suggests quiet confidence and composure. In this era, elaborate wigs signaled wealth and status. Notice the thick paint, giving her hair real volume. A subtle gold thread adds richness to her simple shawl. This portrait was painted on copper, not canvas. The copper surface enhances her luminosity and rich colors.