Mrs. Benjamin Hallowell c. 1766 - 1767

Editor: So, this is John Singleton Copley's "Mrs. Benjamin Hallowell," painted around 1766 or 1767, oil on canvas. What strikes me is this contrast between her calm demeanor and the wildness of the bird perched on her finger. What's your take on this portrait? Curator: Well, this portrait offers a fascinating insight into the societal roles and expectations of women in colonial America. The inclusion of the bird is interesting, but we have to consider the visual politics in play. What do you make of Mrs. Hallowell's clothing and posture? Editor: It looks pretty standard for portraits from that period—formal and stiff. The luxurious fabrics of her gown suggest wealth and status. But, then there's the bird. Was it common to feature animals this way? Curator: Not commonly, but it was a tool. Here the inclusion speaks volumes. Copley cleverly uses the exotic bird, likely a pet, to indicate Mrs. Hallowell’s refined tastes and engagement with the burgeoning natural sciences and growing world of transatlantic trade. This portrait also promotes a certain political image, portraying elite colonial society as sophisticated and worldly. Consider, also, how portraiture played into establishing familial lineage, presenting wealth through lineage instead of just acquiring wealth. What's the setting here? Does it appear authentic? Editor: Not really. It’s staged, of course, designed to project a certain image of refinement, it isn't particularly innovative in this, which feels safe from a social point of view, but isn't particularly exciting as art. Curator: Exactly! It reflects the artist, who straddled both sides of the Atlantic; the tension between adherence to academic traditions and desire to present innovation shows in a great deal of American colonial painting. Copley catered to his patrons' desires to be seen in a favorable light, embodying both tradition and nascent colonial ambition. It's about making a visual argument about social position and values, in a society where such status and values are contested, but the old models from Europe provide safety. Editor: I see. The bird isn't just a pet but a symbol embedded within a complex social narrative! Thanks for providing a wider view. Curator: My pleasure! It is vital to always look beneath the surface to unearth such paintings’ multilayered meaning and cultural values.