Artwork
Susan Apthorp (Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch)
Susan Apthorp (Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Blackburn. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
This 1757 oil painting by Joseph Blackburn portrays Susan Apthorp, later Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch, in a formal setting. The work is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Susan Apthorp, is depicted in a blue satin dress with lace trim, her dark hair styled in a low ponytail adorned with a bow and pearl headband. Her calm expression and attire suggest a formal, possibly high-society occasion.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of the Rococo period, the painting features a serene landscape background with trees and a cloudy sky. Blackburn's use of chiaroscuro adds depth, though specific techniques in this work are not detailed here.
History & Provenance
Created in 1757 by English painter Joseph Blackburn, the portrait is part of a body of work including *Hugh Jones* (c. 1777) and *Colonel Theodore Atkinson* (c. 1760), highlighting Blackburn's focus on portraiture in British North America.
Context
The painting reflects the fashion and social norms of its time, with the subject's dress and hairstyle indicating wealth and refinement. The serene natural background contrasts with the formality of the subject.
Legacy
While the painting's direct influence is not specified, it contributes to the broader legacy of Rococo portraiture in colonial America, offering insight into the lives of the upper class during this period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Blackburn (died 1787) was an English painter who worked mainly in British North America. His notable works include portraits of Hugh Jones (circa 1777) and Colonel Theodore Atkinson (circa 1760).
