The artwork, titled “Portrait of Nathaniel Hurd,” was created by the artist John Singleton Copley between 1765 and 1766. Executed in oil on canvas, this portrait belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork amount to 77 x 65 cm.
In the artwork, Nathaniel Hurd is depicted in a formal yet relaxed pose, his hands clasped and positioned atop a table that also features two closed books. The figure’s attire is notably detailed, with a richly patterned and embroidered garment draped around him, complementing his black shirt and white collar. His headwear, a black cap, and his composed expression add a sense of dignity and intellectual prowess to the portrait. The background, characterized by deep, muted colors, serves to highlight the central figure, drawing attention to the meticulous details of his face and attire. The overall composition of the artwork reflects the refined techniques and stylistic choices typical of Copley’s works within the Neoclassical period.