Artwork
Mrs. John Lothrop
Mrs. John Lothrop is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist John Durand. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. "Mrs.
About this work
Overview
This painting presents a woman in formal attire, holding symbolic objects, against a subdued background.
"Mrs. John Lothrop," an oil on canvas portrait, was created by John Durand around 1770. This painting presents a woman in formal attire, holding symbolic objects, against a subdued background. It exemplifies the portraiture conventions of its era, capturing the subject's refined appearance and suggesting her social standing through meticulously rendered costume and accessories, characteristic of Durand's work.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is depicted in an ornate yellow dress, complemented by a white lace collar and a pearl necklace. Her dark hair is styled into an updo, topped with a blue hat adorned with flowers. In her right hand, she holds a pink rose, which may symbolize love or beauty, while a fan in her left could suggest modesty or discretion. These elements collectively project an image of elegance and social grace.
Technique & Style
Durand's artistic approach in this oil portrait emphasizes detailed rendering of the sitter's elaborate costume and personal adornments. The vibrant yellow of the dress stands out against the delicate textures of lace and pearls, all set against a dark blue background that enhances the figure's prominence. This precise execution, combined with the inclusion of symbolic objects, aligns with the portraiture practices of the late 18th century, aiming to convey both likeness and social status.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Durand (active 1765–1782) was a colonial American portraitist. With John Mare, Abraham Delanoy, and Lawrence Kilburn, he was one of a number of portraitists living and working in New York City during the…
