Artwork

Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard

Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard, by Joseph Badger, oil, 1758
Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard, by Joseph Badger, oil, 1758

Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Badger. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum. Portrait of Mrs.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard is an 18th-century oil portrait painted by Joseph Badger in 1758. The work is now part of the collection at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts an unidentified woman, believed to be Mrs. Thomas Shippard, in a formal, dignified pose. Her facial expression, though somewhat blurred, conveys seriousness.

Technique & Style
The style is characteristic of 18th-century portraiture, with subdued color palette contributing to the overall formal mood.

The painting showcases Badger's attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the subject's attire—a blue dress with white ruffled collar and cuffs, and a large bow at her neckline. The composition features a simple brown background, allowing the subject to be the focal point. The style is characteristic of 18th-century portraiture, with subdued color palette contributing to the overall formal mood.

History & Provenance

Created in 1758, the portrait's history prior to its acquisition by the Peabody Essex Museum is not detailed here. It is currently held in the museum's collection.

Context

The painting reflects the portraiture conventions of its time, emphasizing the subject's social status through meticulous depiction of clothing and a restrained, serious demeanor.

Legacy

While specific impact or renown of 'Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Shippard' is not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of 18th-century American portraiture and Joseph Badger's oeuvre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph Badger

Artist

Joseph Badger

Joseph Badger was born on March 14, 1707/8, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the son of Stephen Badger, a tailor, and Mercy Kettell.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Peabody Essex Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.