The artwork, titled “Thomas Aston Coffin,” was created by the renowned artist John Singleton Copley in the year 1758. Executed in oil on canvas, this portrait exemplifies the Neoclassicism art movement. The dimensions of this distinguished portrait are 127 x 101.6 cm.
In the artwork, a young child, ostensibly Thomas Aston Coffin, is depicted in a serene outdoor setting. The portrait captures the subject adorned in a luxurious, brilliantly-hued indigo attire, marked by delicate lace details. Holding a small red object, the child stands poised near a tree while gently managing a tethered pair of white birds, possibly doves. The background illustrates a tranquil landscape featuring lush greenery and a distant mountain, which adds depth and context to the serene ambience. At the lower left, a badminton racket and shuttlecock are arranged, evoking a sense of leisure and childhood innocence. The mastery of Copley’s technique is evident in the lifelike representation and intricate detailing, making it a quintessential piece of Neoclassical portraiture.
