The artwork titled “Lemuel Cox”, created by John Singleton Copley in 1770, is an oil painting on canvas reflecting the Neoclassicism art movement. The dimensions of the portrait are 100.96 by 126.36 centimeters, and it is housed in the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
The artwork depicts a man, Lemuel Cox, posed against a dark, unobtrusive background that highlights his form and attire. He dons a blue coat adorned with gold buttons and detailed embroidery along the edges, which exudes a sense of regality and wealth. His posture is composed and confident, with one arm casually resting on a surface, and his other hand partially tucked into his coat, indicative of a relaxed yet assertive demeanor. The intricate details of his embroidered coat, the delicacy of his white ruffled sleeve cuffs, and the lifelike quality of his facial features demonstrate Copley’s mastery in painting. The dark backdrop contrasts sharply with Mr. Cox’s illuminated figure, drawing the viewer’s focus to his visage and attire, thereby emphasizing his prominence and character.
