Portrait of Mrs. George Turner 1767

John Singleton Copley created this portrait of Mrs. George Turner with pastel on paper, a medium that lends itself to soft textures and delicate colors. Pastel is made from ground pigment mixed with a binder, and its powdery nature allows for blending directly on the paper's surface, creating subtle gradations and a sense of immediacy. Here, Copley uses it to capture the smooth complexion of Mrs. Turner, and the delicate fabrics of her dress. The softness of the medium also contributes to the work's intimate feel, as if we are in close proximity to the sitter. The choice of pastel, rather than oil paint which was more conventional for formal portraits, suggests a deliberate move towards informality. In doing so, Copley not only demonstrated his technical skill, but also brought the work closer to the realm of craft, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and more intimate practices.