Portrait of Mrs. John Stevens (Judith Sargent, later Mr. John Murray) 1772

John Singleton Copley painted this portrait of Judith Sargent, later Mrs. John Murray, with oil on canvas. It is important to note that oil paint itself is a material technology. Its slow drying time allows for smooth, refined surfaces, and the lustrous, reflective quality of oil helps to create a lifelike effect. Here, Copley uses oil paint to render Judith Sargent’s luxurious satin dress. The careful depiction of the dress's sheen is rendered in incredible detail, demonstrating Copley's technical skills as an artist. But this material also reflects wider social issues. Satin was a precious commodity at this time. The wearer announces a life of leisure and high consumption. In its own way, this portrait challenges distinctions between fine art and craft. While undoubtedly a work of fine art, the painting’s effect hinges on its meticulous depiction of a crafted material.