Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mifflin - John Singleton Copley

A 1773 double portrait by John Singleton Copley depicting Thomas and Sarah Morris Mifflin, noted for its symbolic inclusion of a portable loom.

Painted in 1773, this double portrait depicts Thomas Mifflin and his wife, Sarah Morris Mifflin. John Singleton Copley captures the couple in a domestic setting, yet the composition conveys their political alignment during the pre-Revolutionary period in America. Sarah Morris Mifflin is shown engaged in the act of weaving fringe on a portable loom, a task that signifies domestic industry and, more specifically, the colonial boycott of imported British goods. Her attire is modest, reflecting the political climate of the era.

Thomas Mifflin sits beside her, holding a book and observing his wife. His posture is relaxed, and his expression is attentive. The background features a classical column, a common device in portraiture of the time to suggest status and intellectual depth, while the view through the window provides a glimpse of the outdoors. Copley demonstrates his technical skill in the rendering of textures, particularly the sheen of Sarah's silk dress and the delicate lace of her cap. The lighting is controlled, focusing the viewer's attention on the interaction between the two figures and the symbolic object of the loom.

This work is held in the collection of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It remains a primary example of Copley's ability to combine traditional portrait conventions with the specific social and political realities of his subjects. The painting avoids excessive ornamentation, relying instead on the clarity of form and the deliberate placement of objects to communicate the couple's values. The muted colour palette and the precise application of paint contribute to the overall sense of restraint and dignity that defines this period of Copley's career before he moved to London.