The artwork titled “Mrs. Richard Patteshall (Martha Woody) and child,” painted by Thomas Smith in 1679, is a distinguished example from the Baroque art movement. This painting is a portrait genre piece depicting an intimate and richly detailed portrayal of a woman, identified as Mrs. Richard Patteshall, and her child.
In the artwork, the lady is elegantly attired in opulent clothing that speaks to the fashion and societal status of the time. Her dress features intricate lace and fine embroidery, and she adorns herself with jewelry, including a pearl necklace and earrings, which add to the sense of affluence and grace. Her gaze is calm and composed, suggesting a sense of authority and maternal affection.
The child, standing beside her mother, is dressed in a similarly elaborate manner with a detailed lace bonnet and a finely embroidered gown. The child holds an orange, a symbol of wealth and prestige, indicative of their social standing. The background, with its dark and rich tones, contributes to the depth and drama typical of Baroque portraits, emphasizing the subjects and creating a striking contrast to highlight their features and attire. This meticulous attention to detail and the use of light and shadow are emblematic of the Baroque movement’s stylistic characteristics, which Thomas Smith adeptly incorporates into this compelling portrait.