The artwork entitled “Henry Addington, First Viscount Sidmouth” is a masterpiece by the distinguished artist John Singleton Copley, created between the years 1797 and 1798. This oil on canvas painting falls within the Neoclassical art movement and is classified as a portrait. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
This portrait features Henry Addington, the First Viscount Sidmouth, adorned in elaborate ceremonial regalia typical of his high status. He is depicted standing in an opulent interior, with grandiose drapery and columns enhancing the gravity of the scene. Addington’s attire, consisting of a richly adorned robe with intricate gold embroidery and a white periwig, reflects his elevated social standing and the formal aesthetic of the period. The subject’s calm demeanor, coupled with the contemplative pose and the presence of official documents on the table beside him, underscores his role and significance in society. The use of rich, dark colors and meticulous attention to detail exemplify Copley’s mastery in portraiture and adherence to Neoclassical principles, focusing on clarity, order, and idealized elegance.
