Mercy Greenleaf Scollay (Mrs. John Scollay) (1719-1793) 1764

Curator: Take a moment to look at this beautiful portrait of Mercy Greenleaf Scollay, painted by John Singleton Copley. It’s undated, but Copley was active in the late 18th century, capturing the faces of colonial America. Editor: She has an interesting neutrality to her expression, almost a self-possession. It's subtle, but refreshing when so many portraits of women from that era present a forced smile. Curator: It’s intriguing how Copley renders her, isn't it? The soft, almost sepia tones create a sense of intimacy. It feels like a glimpse into a quiet moment, stripped of grandiosity. Editor: Absolutely. And it's a glimpse into the role of women like Mercy Scollay in a burgeoning mercantile class. This isn't just a portrait; it's a document reflecting the socio-economic structures of colonial society. It makes me wonder how much agency she truly had. Curator: It's a question that lingers, doesn't it? Seeing her here, suspended in time, makes you wonder about the untold stories of women who shaped history from the margins. Editor: Indeed. It’s a reminder to look beyond the surface and consider the complexities of identity and power at play.