Portrait Of Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Mifflin 

This is John Singleton Copley’s portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mifflin, painted in the late 18th century using oil on canvas. The artist's technique is meticulous, layering paint to build up realistic textures and details. But look closer – the material culture of the painting tells a story. Mr. Mifflin, a merchant, is depicted with the tools of his trade: letters, a quill, and an inkwell. Mrs. Mifflin is shown engaged in handcraft, likely lace making, a common occupation for women of the time. Copley, a master of illusionism, captures the textures of fabrics, from the sheen of Mrs. Mifflin's gown to the crispness of her lace. Notice the contrast: Mr. Mifflin's world of commerce versus Mrs. Mifflin's domestic sphere. The painting blurs the boundaries between labor and leisure, art and craft, revealing the social fabric of its time. Considering the materials, making, and context, we see that this portrait captures more than just likenesses; it reflects the values and divisions within a society on the cusp of change.