Mary (Newey) Hoadly

Maker William Hogarth (British, 1697-1764)

Maker Unknown

SitterSitter: Mary (Newey) Hoadly (British, 1708 - 1767)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca.1745

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 23 1/2 × 18 7/8 in. (59.7 × 47.9 cm.) frame: 31 1/2 × 27 1/4 in. (80 × 69.2 cm.)

DescriptionSeated full-length in an interior in a high backed green brocade chair, nearly full face. Proper left arm rests on a balustrade; proper right arm rests on lap, closed fan in hand. Dressed in silvery gray silk gown with white lace trim at sleeves and along front panel, blue lace along bodice, white lace cap tied with blue ribbon at back of neck, pearl choker. To the right is open window with balustrade looking out on landsape with trees and a mountain in far distance; the arch of the window springs up from a pillaster just right of center; red curtain swings toward left of painting from wall in center.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThis painting is a companion to Hogarth’s portrait of Benjamin Hoadly, Bishop of Winchester, which hangs nearby. Mary Hoadly, who was 32 years his junior, became the bishop’s second wife in 1745. The figures turn toward each other as if engaged in conversation. Although many aspects of this painting are characteristic of Hogarth, the particularly fussy handling of paint in the skirt suggests the intervention of another artist. Perhaps, after the marriage, an existing portrait by Hogarth was reworked by another, less skilled artist in order to form a pair with the bishop’s portrait.

Bibliography

British paintings at the Huntington

Object number56.18