Portrait of Susannah Leigh Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797)

The portrait presents a woman in three-quarter view against a dark, indistinct background. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards something beyond the viewers perspective. The lighting emphasizes her face and upper torso, creating a soft focus that obscures details of the surrounding environment.
Here we see an elaborate hairstyle characteristic of the period; it’s arranged in cascading curls and topped with a decorative ribbon or embellishment. Her complexion is rendered with delicate pink tones, suggesting health and refinement. The artist has paid particular attention to capturing the subtle nuances of her expression – a hint of melancholy perhaps, or quiet contemplation.
She wears a gown of muted green hues, draped with a flowing scarf of gold-yellow fabric that adds visual richness and movement to the composition. The folds of the scarf are loosely arranged, contributing to an overall impression of relaxed elegance rather than rigid formality. A small, red object is visible at her lower right side, partially obscured by the drape; its significance remains ambiguous but introduces a touch of intrigue.
The subdued color palette and soft lighting contribute to a sense of intimacy and psychological depth. The dark background serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to her presence and emphasizing her individual character. There’s an air of restrained emotion conveyed through her posture and expression, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible. The painting suggests not merely a likeness but also an attempt to capture something of the sitters inner life – a quiet dignity and perhaps a touch of sadness.