Margaret Cocks, later Margaret Smith

Maker Richard Cosway (British, 1742-1821)

SitterSitter: Margaret Cocks, later Margaret Smith (British, 1773 - 1822)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1787

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions36 x 27 3/4 in. (91.4 x 70.5 cm.)

DescriptionThis a portrait of Margaret Cocks (1773–1847) grieving on reading a letter with the news of the death of her sister.

SignedSigned and dated lower right: 1787

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford E. Clinton

Label TextMargaret Cock's pose and wistful gaze suggest that her thoughts are far away. Various clues construct a possible narrative in which she has just finished reading a letter from her older sister, Mary, the subject of the miniature portrait resting in Margaret's lap, whose absence she clearly feels. This painting documents two of the principal means by which friendships were sustained in the 18th century. The exchange of letters helped people keep abreast of each other's lives, while portraiture provided visual surrogates for missing friends and family.

Status

On view

Object number60.8