The artwork titled “The Western Brothers” is a portrait created by John Singleton Copley in 1783. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece is a notable example of the Neoclassicism movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 156.8 by 125.7 cm, and it is currently housed at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, United States.
The painting depicts two young boys, elegantly dressed in late 18th-century attire. One boy is energetically pointing into the distance while the other sits calmly, holding a map or a sketch of a landscape. A dog, seemingly excited by the boy’s gesture, adds a dynamic element to the composition. The background features a lush, serene landscape that complements the vivacity and youthfulness of the subjects. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and the use of light encapsulate the essence of Neoclassical art, highlighting both the figures’ expressions and their fine clothing, thereby imbuing the work with life and character.
