Artwork

Mrs. Susannah Hope

Mrs. Susannah Hope, by Joseph Wright of Derby, oil, 1760
Mrs. Susannah Hope, by Joseph Wright of Derby, oil, 1760

Mrs. Susannah Hope is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Wright of Derby. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. The painting Mrs.

About this work

Overview

The painting Mrs. Susannah Hope is a portrait in oil on canvas, created by Joseph Wright of Derby in 1760. It is a representative work of the Rococo style, characterized by its refined and elegant depiction of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Susannah Stead, later known as Mrs. Hope, dressed in a light green gown with a pearl necklace and earrings, set against a dark background. Her calm demeanor and simple yet elegant attire convey a sense of serenity and refinement.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases Wright's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and volume. The soft lighting highlights the subject's face, while the shadows add a three-dimensional quality to the portrait.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum, having been acquired at some point in its history. It is a testament to Wright's skill as a portrait painter and his contribution to the Rococo movement in 18th-century England.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph Wright of Derby

Artist

Joseph Wright of Derby

Joseph Wright (3 September 1734 – 29 August 1797), styled Joseph Wright of Derby, was an English painter who specialised in portrait painting and landscape art.

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