The artwork titled “Thaddeus Burr” was masterfully created by John Singleton Copley between the years 1758 and 1760. This oil on canvas painting, a prime example of the Neoclassical movement, measures 128.6 by 101.3 centimeters. As a portrait, it is held in the esteemed Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri.
The artwork depicts a distinguished gentleman, adorned in 18th-century attire, embodying a sense of elegance and refinement. His posture is relaxed yet confident, with one arm casually resting upon a ledge that features an intricate sculptural relief of a classical figure. The man’s rich, auburn coat contrasts starkly with an exquisite, boldly blue waistcoat, highlighting the finesse of the clothing’s texture and detail. His gaze is calm and composed, exuding a sense of assured poise. The background is rendered with subdued dark tones, allowing the figure to stand out prominently, capturing the viewer’s attention with its striking clarity and the astute attention to every detail, characteristic of Copley’s celebrated portraiture.
