The artwork, titled “Midshipman Augustus Brine,” was created by John Singleton Copley in 1782. Crafted with oil on canvas, this painting exemplifies the Neoclassicism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 125.73 x 100.33 cm, and it belongs to the portrait genre.
In this distinguished portrait, a young midshipman is depicted, standing with a commanding presence. His attire is reflective of his naval role, characterized by a dark coat adorned with prominent brass buttons, a white waistcoat, and cream-colored breeches. His hand rests confidently on his hip while his other hand extends to hold a hat at his side. The subtle practice of chiaroscuro highlights the contours of his youthful face and the texture of his garments, drawing the viewer’s attention to the serene determination in his expression. The backdrop is composed of a shadowy, somewhat indistinct setting, which contrasts starkly with the brightly-lit figure, thus emphasizing his prominence and hinting at the vast, maritime world awaiting him.
