The artwork titled “Samuel Adams” was created by the artist John Singleton Copley between approximately 1770 and 1772. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is a notable example of the Neoclassicism art movement. This meticulously detailed portrait measures 127 by 102.2 centimeters and resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dignified gentleman, Samuel Adams, garbed in period attire consisting of a dark red coat, vest, and white neckcloth. Adams stands with a resolute expression, his left hand perched assertively on a table laden with documents and a hat. His right hand holds a rolled parchment, suggesting a sense of authority and involvement in significant civic matters. The background is somber and dark, providing a stark contrast that accentuates the subject’s prominent, illuminated form. The fine brushwork and detailed textures demonstrate Copley’s skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subject, rendering a powerful image of a historical figure.
