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Secondary sourcePainting

T. Hutchinson, 18th Governor of Massachusetts

An engraved print portrait of Thomas Hutchinson, 18th Governor of Massachusetts, as it circulated publicly.

An engraved likeness of Hutchinson himself, showing how his image as governor circulated in print.

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Engraved portrait print of a man in an 18th-century style wig and dark coat with a white cravat, shown head and shoulders. Below is a signature script reading Hutchinson, a coat of arms, and the caption 18th Governor of Massachusetts.
T. Hutchinson, 18th Governor of Massachusetts. Engraving, New York Public Library.

About this source

What it is

This is an engraved portrait print of Thomas Hutchinson, shown head and shoulders in 18th-century dress with a wig and cravat. Below the image is his signature, a coat of arms, and a caption identifying him as the 18th Governor of Massachusetts. The item is held in the New York Public Library's collection.

Why it matters

Engraved portraits like this one were a common way for images of political figures to spread in print during the 18th century, likely based on an original painted portrait. It shows how Hutchinson's public image, as a royal governor, was presented and circulated to a wider audience.

Look closer

  • What does the formal dress and coat of arms suggest about how Hutchinson wanted to be seen?
  • Why might an engraving based on a painting look different from the original?
  • What is missing from a formal portrait like this that might show another side of the man?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Thomas Hutchinson on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Front cover of a bound book with reddish-brown and cream marbled paper boards, dark brown leather spine and corners with gold tooling along the edges, photographed against a light background.Letter

Primary source

Hutchinson–Whately Letters

Thomas Hutchinson · 1767–1769 (published 1773)

Front cover of a dark brown leather-bound book with a thin gold-tooled border line inset around the edges. The spine is visible on the left side. No title or text is visible on the cover.Book

Primary source

The History of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts-Bay

Thomas Hutchinson · 1764, 1767, 1828

Oil painting of a young man with pale face, grey-powdered hair, and dark eyes, wearing a brown coat with gold embroidered waistcoat edge and a white cravat, against a dark brown background.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of Thomas Hutchinson

Edward Truman · 1741

Photograph of a handwritten letter on aged paper behind glass, headed 'Massachusetts Bay' and 'By the Governor', addressed to Iohn Hancock and the people assembled in Boston. Text has crossed-out words and a stain.Document

Primary source

Letter Directing the Old South Tea Meeting to Adjourn

Thomas Hutchinson · November 30, 1773

Black-and-white woodcut-style print. A skeleton figure labeled Death thrusts a spear toward a seated man in a wig and coat, who has a halo of light behind him. A horned devil holds a tablet reading "List of Crimes" and is behind the skeleton. A skull and a money bag are on a table. A caption below reads "The wicked Statesman, or the Traitor to his Country, at the Hour of Death."Painting

Primary source

The Wicked Statesman political cartoon

Paul Revere · published 1774

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