The artwork, titled “Portrait of General Thomas Gage,” was created by John Singleton Copley between 1768 and 1769. This oil on canvas piece exemplifies the Neoclassical art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture. Measuring 127 x 100.97 cm, this distinguished painting is housed at the Yale Centre for British Art, part of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
In the portrait, General Thomas Gage is depicted in a detailed and dignified manner, embodying the elegance and precision characteristic of John Singleton Copley’s work. The general is dressed in the military uniform of the period, featuring a vibrant red coat with intricate gold detailing, which starkly contrasts with the dark background. His posture is assertive, exuding authority, and he appears to be gesturing towards a distant landscape, where military troops are lined up, highlighted under the expanse of a clear sky. The backdrop is meticulously rendered, with lush foliage and distant hills adding depth to the composition, thus enhancing the scene’s realism. This work not only captures the likeness of General Gage but also conveys his prominence and the historical significance of his military career.
