The artwork titled “Miles Sherbrook,” painted by John Singleton Copley in 1771, is an oil on canvas portrait that falls under the Neoclassicism art movement. The painting, measuring 99.06 x 125.73 cm, is currently housed at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.
The artwork depicts a seated gentleman, identified as Miles Sherbrook, who is portrayed with meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Copley’s style. Dressed in period attire, the subject exudes an aura of refinement and contemplation, holding a parchment and a quill, suggesting he is engaged in scholarly or administrative activities. The artist employs a rich and subdued color palette, with the dark background contrasting sharply with the illuminated figure, thereby directing the viewer’s focus entirely on the subject. The delicate rendering of textures, such as the softness of the fabric and the subtle sheen of the costume, reflects Copley’s mastery in capturing the intricate details of his sitters. The overall composition and the dignified demeanor of the subject align with the principles of Neoclassicism, emphasizing clarity, elegance, and restrained emotion.
