Mrs.Jeremiah Lee (Martha Swett) 1769

John Singleton Copley painted "Mrs. Jeremiah Lee" in colonial America, likely using oil on canvas, to portray the wealthy merchant class. Notice how the trappings of wealth surround Martha Swett Lee. Her luxurious satin gown and fur-trimmed cloak signal her elevated social status. Copley positions Mrs. Lee in front of a classical column, an allusion to European aristocracy, even though this is a New England merchant family. The fruit she holds may reference fertility, but more certainly references the family's access to imported goods. Copley's portraits reveal much about the aspirations of colonial society. Commissioned portraits were a status symbol, reflecting economic success and social ambition. To better understand portraits like this one, we can examine period documents, such as shipping manifests, inventories, and social histories to help us fully understand the complex interplay between art, wealth, and social identity in colonial America.