Saturday, March 10, 2012

Close-Up VI: Copley

This is one of my favorite close-ups.  It is a detail from a large portrait by John Singleton Copley of a woman believed to be Mrs. Seymour Fort.  It was painted in the period 1776 - 1780.  Unlike many formal portraits in this period, this Copley painting is absolutely dripping with personality.  Doesn't she look like the kind old lady who lives down the street?

22 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Indeed she looks familiar... :)
God bless you!
Cezar

Kate said...

Jack, you are such a romantic. I am beginning to believe that I have an intimate relationship with all of these people! Actually if I were to write a short creative profile of this woman, I'd classify her as a busybody old crone. Have a relaxing and wonderful week-end!

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

All these close-up posts are wonderful. Great pictures!

Unknown said...

I actually think she looks a little impish! Thanks for sharing this art in your city.

Malyss said...

She has a discreet smile and a wonderful way to look at the world, and at us , through ages.. A beautyful portrait!

Regina K said...

Her character does come to light in this painting.

Sylvia K said...

I really love this series of close-ups that you've shared with us, Jack! Wonderful face, wise, wise eyes and that hint of a smile. These are things we might miss just looking at the larger portrait in the museum! Have a great day!

Sylvia

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I just don't know what to make of Mrs. Seymour Fort, she certainly has a 'knowing' look in her eyes and her lips aren't very approving of what she 'knows'.. I wonder if Madam Renoir in your last post Jack, was one of the first women to be 'air-brushed'!

Birdman said...

... ya, who always took our baseballs!

T. Becque said...

I can see her baking pies...or yelling at the kids making to much noise near her house! :)

Lowell said...

This is full of character and so utterly realistic; could be a photograph manipulated by Photoshop. Probably wasn't, though! :-)

Ah...when you make a comment, just enter your name and leave the rest blank. That should ease the pain...

Ron Roelandt said...

So I'm not the only one whose nose almost touches the paintings in a museum. Amazing how the often simple details, once put together, form a masterpiece.

cieldequimper said...

Hmmmm. She would have done well in Cranford.

I hope you can keep this series up forever.

Luis Gomez said...

This is great! But definitely nothing to do with the woman who lives down the street from me.

RedPat said...

She looks so kind even in the close-up! Nice one Jack!

Tash said...

Love the rosy face of the close up. I'll have to look up more work by Copley. This one is truly charming.

Halcyon said...

Another great one. It's nice to see a lady. :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I like her face. I think she is trying to keep from laughing. Someone has just told her a funny joke. :)

Randy said...

No one like that in my neighborhood.

SRQ said...

Wonderful close-up. Seems to me those eyes and pursed lips convey a bit of a disapproving look. (What did you do, Jack?)

Lynette said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jack, for this close-up. She's lovely. I've enjoyed the series, but for me she's head and shoulders above the rest.

VP said...

Thanks for the close-up: we can really see the brush strokes!