Elizabeth Storer Smith 1769

John Singleton Copley’s 1769 portrait of Elizabeth Storer Smith is a prime example of American Rococo portraiture. The sitter is depicted in a relaxed pose, seated in a luxurious yellow armchair, clad in fine clothing. Copley, known for his meticulous attention to detail, captures the texture of the fabrics and the subtle variations of light on the subject’s face. The background includes a glimpse of a landscape, suggesting the wealth and status of Mrs. Smith. Copley, who later became a renowned painter in England, achieved fame in America for his realistic and evocative portraits. This painting exemplifies the artist's early style, characterized by a blend of European influences with a uniquely American sensibility.