Mrs John Matthews

Mrs. John Matthews from 1786 is the companion portrait to Dr. John Matthews, painted in the same year. Such paired husband-and-wife portraits were standard commissions that formed a significant portion of any Georgian portraitist's practice. Romney's oil handling was distinguished by fluid, rapidly applied strokes and an instinctive sense of elegant silhouette, producing portraits of apparent effortlessness that concealed careful preparatory drawing.

The sitter is presented with gentle elegance, Romney's warm palette and fluid brushwork creating a flattering yet naturalistic portrait that complements the companion image of her husband.