The artwork, titled “Mrs. John Ashton,” is an oil on canvas painting created by Joseph Wright around the year 1769. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and serves as a portrait. The painting measures 126.1 x 101 cm and is housed in the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
In the artwork, a woman is portrayed seated against a dark, plain background that emphasizes her presence. She is dressed in a rich, dark dress with voluminous white cuffs, a white shawl, and a black ribbon, exuding a sense of formality and refinement. Her head is adorned with a cap that frames her face, giving her an air of dignified composure. The woman appears to be holding an open book while resting one arm on a red-draped table, suggesting a moment of introspection or engagement in an intellectual activity. The exquisite detailing of the fabric and the thoughtful composition are characteristic of Joseph Wright’s skillful approach to portraiture.
