Artwork

Mrs Hobson of Markfield (c.1759–1831)

Mrs Hobson of Markfield (c.1759–1831), by Henry Raeburn, oil, 1799
Mrs Hobson of Markfield (c.1759–1831), by Henry Raeburn, oil, 1799

Mrs Hobson of Markfield (c.1759–1831) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

The woman's attire and the style of the painting suggest it is from the 18th or 19th century.

This painting depicts a woman seated in a chair, holding a book. She wears a yellow dress with a white lace collar and a matching hat. The background is a muted green wall with a red chair behind her.

The woman's attire and the style of the painting suggest it is from the 18th or 19th century. Her expression is calm and introspective.

To learn more about the artist who created this portrait, explore the works of Henry Raeburn.

Overview

Mrs Hobson of Markfield is an oil painting created by Scottish artist Henry Raeburn around 1799. The work is a portrait of a woman, identified by her surname and association with Markfield, seated in contemplative pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Mrs Hobson, is portrayed in a state of calm introspection, indicated by her gentle expression and the book she holds. Her attire—a yellow dress with white lace collar and matching hat—reflects late 18th-century fashion.

Technique & Style

Executed in a neoclassical style, the painting emphasizes clarity and restrained elegance. Raeburn's approach is characterized by simplicity in composition, muted background colors (notably a green wall), and subtle, natural lighting.

History & Provenance

Henry Raeburn, who later held the title of Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland, created this work. It is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Context

The painting's style and subject's attire place it within the late 18th to early 19th century's artistic and social landscape, aligning with the neoclassical movement's values of sobriety and moral seriousness.

Legacy

As a work by a prominent Scottish portraitist of his time, *Mrs Hobson of Markfield* contributes to the understanding of neoclassical portraiture in Britain during the late 18th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henry Raeburn

Artist

Henry Raeburn

Sir Henry Raeburn (; 4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland.