Artwork

Mrs. Alexander Cumming, née Elizabeth Goldthwaite, later Mrs. John Bacon

Mrs. Alexander Cumming, née Elizabeth Goldthwaite, later Mrs. John Bacon is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist John Singleton Copley. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

John Singleton Copley’s 1770 oil portrait presents Elizabeth Goldthwaite, later known as Mrs.

John Singleton Copley’s 1770 oil portrait presents Elizabeth Goldthwaite, later known as Mrs. Alexander Cumming and subsequently Mrs. John Bacon. Rendered in a half‑length format, the sitter faces the viewer with a composed expression, her dark hair gathered and her attire indicative of upper‑class 18th‑century fashion. The work exemplifies Copley’s early colonial portraiture before his move to England.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait records the social standing of a married woman of the Atlantic colonies, emphasizing refinement through her lace‑trimmed gown, high neckline, and puffed sleeves. The restrained pose and neutral gaze suggest the conventions of genteel modesty, while the careful rendering of fabric and accessories conveys wealth and respectability within the colonial elite.

Technique & Style

Copley employs a subtle chiaroscuro, using a dark background to isolate the figure and accentuate the luminous flesh tones and delicate lace. Fine brushwork captures the texture of silk and the sheen of metal threads, while the modeling of the face demonstrates his skill in creating three‑dimensionality through light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created while Copley was still based in Boston, the portrait reflects his reputation as a leading portraitist among affluent New England families. After Copley’s relocation to London in 1774, the painting entered private collections and eventually was acquired by the Brooklyn Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s American art holdings.