Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Thomas Hudson died in 1779; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1849.
In context
Mrs Susannah Hope — Thomas Hudson
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 78 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Thomas Hudson (1701–1779) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/thomas-hudson-mrs-susannah-hope-9CW2L5-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Sap Green #6e623f
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 49.5% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 279 works by this artist, of which 53 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 6 of them, with 3.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Bideford, United Kingdom
Born: 1701, Bideford, United Kingdom (exact birthplace unknown).
Thomas Hudson emerged as a prominent figure in 18th-century English portraiture. His early life remains somewhat obscure, but his dedication to art quickly became apparent.
Apprenticeship: He began his artistic journey under the tutelage of Jonathan Richardson in London. This foundational training instilled in him a meticulous approach to portraiture and a keen eye for detail.
A controversial marriage followed, as Hudson wed Richardson’s daughter before 1725, despite his mentor's disapproval.
Peak Years: Hudson reached the height of his career between 1740 and 1760. From 1745 to 1755, he was arguably London’s most successful portraitist.
Workshop Practice: He operated a bustling workshop with numerous assistants, including the specialist drapery painter Joseph van Aken, allowing him to fulfill a high volume of commissions.
Style Characteristics: Hudson’s portraits are celebrated for their elegance and refinement. He skillfully captured the status and personality of his sitters through polished brushwork and attention to detail, particularly in rendering fabrics and textures.
Artistic Influences: Richardson’s influence is evident in Hudson's early work, emphasizing accuracy and a classical approach.
Continental Exposure: In 1748, he traveled to the Low Countries, followed by Italy in 1752. These journeys exposed him to diverse artistic styles and techniques, broadening his artistic horizons.
Twickenham Residence: In 1753, Hudson purchased a house at Cross Deep, Twickenham, near Alexander Pope’s villa, placing him within a vibrant intellectual and artistic community.
Mentorship: Hudson was an influential teacher. Among his most celebrated pupils were Joshua Reynolds and Joseph Wright, both of whom went on to become leading figures in British art.
Drapery Expertise: He also trained Peter Toms, who specialized in painting draperies, further demonstrating Hudson’s commitment to technical skill and craftsmanship.
Later Life & Death: Towards the end of the 1750s, Hudson began to retire from active practice. He died at Twickenham in 1779.
Posthumous Sale: His extensive private art collection was sold off in three separate sales after his death.
Contribution to British Portraiture: Thomas Hudson played a crucial role in shaping the development of English portraiture during the 18th century. His refined style set a standard for elegance and sophistication.
Museum Collections: His paintings can be found in prominent institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, the National Maritime Museum, Tate, Foundling Museum, and the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
Accessibility Today: Many of his works are also available for viewing online at platforms like AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts worldwide to appreciate his artistry.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/thomas-hudson-mrs-susannah-hope-9CW2L5-en/
Look closely
Mrs Susannah Hope — Thomas Hudson
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
In terms of perceived brightness, "Mrs Susannah Hope" by Thomas Hudson is balanced.
Other names recorded for Thomas Hudson, creator of "Mrs Susannah Hope", include Jonathan Richardson the Elder, Charles Thomas Hudson.
The palette of "Mrs Susannah Hope" by Thomas Hudson is described as neutrals. It is a compact description of the work's colors.