The artwork, titled “Colonel John Montresor,” is a portrait created in 1771 by John Singleton Copley. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece is a notable example of the Neoclassicism art movement. The dimensions of the portrait are 76.2 x 63.5 cm, and it is housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts located in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
In the artwork, Colonel John Montresor is depicted in a dignified pose, wearing a striking red military uniform that contrasts with the dark background. The composition positions him with one arm resting on a stump and holding what appears to be a book in his left hand, suggesting a man of both action and intellect. His expression is contemplative, and the meticulous detailing in the rendering of his face and attire demonstrates Copley’s skill. The use of light to highlight the colonel’s face and the folds of his uniform adds depth and realism to the portrait. This work captures both the authority and the reflective intelligence of the subject, characteristic of Neoclassical portraiture.
