Artwork

Laura Moubray, neé Hobson (born 1788)

Laura Moubray, neé Hobson (born 1788), by John Constable, oil, 1808
Laura Moubray, neé Hobson (born 1788), by John Constable, oil, 1808

Laura Moubray, neé Hobson (born 1788) is an oil painting by John Constable. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

Laura Moubray, neé Hobson (born 1788) is a portrait painted in oil by John Constable in 1808, currently part of the collection at the Scottish National Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Laura Moubray, née Hobson, with short, dark hair and attire characterized by a dark jacket over a white top, and a white ruffled collar. Her gaze is directed to the left, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Constable employed soft, gentle brushstrokes to render the subject's features, achieving an intimate atmosphere. A dark, subtly textured background, utilizing chiaroscuro, focuses the viewer's attention on the sitter's face and clothing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1808 by John Constable, the painting is now held in the collection of the Scottish National Gallery.

Context

While specific contextual details about the commission or the subject's relationship to Constable are not provided, the work reflects early 19th-century portrait conventions with Constable's distinctive touch.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is intertwined with Constable's broader oeuvre, though it is not highlighted as a seminal work in his landscape-dominated body of art. It remains a notable example of his portraiture skills.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Constable

Artist

John Constable

John Constable (; 11 June 1776 – 31 March 1837) was an English landscape painter in the Romantic tradition.