The artwork in question is titled “Painting of Samuel learning from Eli,” created by John Singleton Copley in the year 1780. This piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of portrait.
This compelling artwork depicts a tender moment of biblical instruction, where the elderly Eli imparts wisdom to the young Samuel. The figures are meticulously crafted, characteristic of Copley’s attention to detail and ability to capture human expression and emotion. Eli is shown seated, clad in rich garments symbolizing his priestly office, while young Samuel stands beside him, gazing upwards with a hand raised, signifying his earnest desire to learn. The use of light and shadow enhances the depth and highlights the intergenerational exchange of knowledge, further emphasizing the painting’s timeless and instructional nature.
