Mrs. Thomas Scott Jackson c. 1770 - 1773

George Romney painted this portrait of Mrs. Thomas Scott Jackson using oil on canvas. The luminous quality of the painting depends on the way Romney layered his pigments, allowing light to penetrate and reflect back to the viewer. The dress is particularly interesting in that regard. The sheen of the fabric must have been carefully observed, and then achieved through the skilled application of thin glazes. Consider the social context: Mrs. Jackson is not wearing just any dress, but a garment made from silk, a prized material at the time. Silk production relied on international trade, long and complex supply chains, and skilled labor both in its production and tailoring. Oil painting itself was of course a highly prized skill. Romney’s ability to capture not just a likeness but also a sense of social standing elevates the work. By considering the labor involved in all aspects of the painting we come to a fuller appreciation of the image, and the society it represents.