Mrs Mary Robinson 1780 - 1781

George Romney painted "Mrs. Mary Robinson" using oil on canvas, a well-established medium by the late 18th century. Oil paint consists of pigments suspended in a drying oil, allowing for rich colors, subtle gradations, and the ability to rework the surface—all of which Romney exploits here. The application of paint ranges from thin washes in the background to more textured strokes in the sitter's clothing and hair. This material quality gives a sense of depth and vitality to the image. The fashion of the sitter, including her elaborate bonnet, tells us about the economic dynamics of the era. Fabrics like linen and silk were products of extensive trade networks and labor systems, including enslaved labor. The skilled craftspeople who made these textiles, and the clothes themselves, were part of a complex social hierarchy. Romney, as the painter, occupies his own distinct place in that hierarchy. Ultimately, considering the materials and making of the painting in relation to its subject reveals the intricate social fabric of the time. It prompts us to look beyond the surface of the image and consider the broader cultural and economic context in which it was made.