The artwork, titled “Sir William Pepperrell and Family,” was completed by John Singleton Copley in 1778. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 274.32 x 228.6 cm, and represents the Neoclassicism art movement. As a portrait, the artwork is currently housed in the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) in Raleigh, North Carolina, US.
The artwork portrays Sir William Pepperrell alongside his family, encapsulating a moment of domestic harmony. The composition is set against a backdrop that combines both interior and exterior elements, creating a balanced setting that highlights the figures within it. Sir William stands proudly, looking towards his family with a gentle smile. The central figure, presumably Lady Pepperrell, is seated gracefully with an elegantly dressed child on her lap, reaching upwards. Two other children are engaged, one leaning in towards the central figure, while the other is focused on an activity with a small object on a nearby table. The family dog rests in the lower left corner, adding to the serene and familial atmosphere of the painting. Rich, detailed garments and the lush drapery behind the family signify their wealth and status, aligning with the principles of Neoclassicism and emphasizing the moral virtue and noble qualities of the family.
