The Artist's Wife 1758

This portrait of the artist's wife was painted with oil on canvas by Thomas Gainsborough in the late 18th century, a time when such portraits were a booming industry. Oil paint, of course, is made from ground pigments bound with oil, usually linseed. Gainsborough was known for his relatively free handling of this material; he allowed it to retain a fluid quality, even leaving visible brushstrokes. This gave his paintings a sense of immediacy, as though the subject had just been captured on canvas. That sense of ease, though, was deceptive. Gainsborough was acutely aware of the market for portraits, and catered to the tastes of his wealthy clientele. He needed to flatter his sitters, capture their likeness, and also suggest their social standing. All of this took great skill and labor, even if he made it look effortless. Understanding the material, the process, and the social context helps us to appreciate this painting as more than just a pretty picture.