Who painted Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming)?

Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming) was painted by Thomas Lawrence in 1824.

Where can I see Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming)?

Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming) is held by Kimbell Art Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming)?

Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming) is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming)

Thomas Lawrence , 1824

Portrait of Mary Anne Bloxam (later Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Thomas Lawrence. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Kimbell Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Lawrence, a pre‑eminent English portraitist and later president of the Royal Academy, completed this oil painting in 1824. Executed during the height of his career, the work exemplifies the polished neoclassical approach that made him a favourite among Britain’s aristocracy and royal patrons.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Mary Anne Bloxam—who would later become Mrs. Frederick H. Hemming—is portrayed seated, her curly brown hair framing a composed expression. She wears a white dress accented by a pink sash and a delicate necklace, holding a fan in her right hand, conveying the restrained elegance expected of genteel women in the early nineteenth century.

Technique & Style

Lawrence employs a restrained palette, set against a warm red backdrop that enhances the sitter’s pale complexion. Subtle modeling of light across the fabric and skin demonstrates his skillful use of chiaroscuro, while the smooth brushwork and fine detailing of accessories reflect the neoclassical sensibility of his portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created after Lawrence had already secured royal commissions, including a portrait of Queen Charlotte in 1789, the painting remained within the Bloxam family before passing to the Hemming line through marriage. It later entered a public collection, where it continues to illustrate Lawrence’s role as a chronicler of British high society.