The artwork titled “Woodbury Langdon,” created by John Singleton Copley in 1767, is an oil painting on canvas. An exemplar of the Neoclassicism movement, the portrait measures 101.6 by 126.36 centimeters.
This formal portrait captures Woodbury Langdon in a dignified pose, holding a paper, suggestive of his status and occupation. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rich textures of Langdon’s garments, notably the intricate gold embroidery and the crisp, white ruffles at his cuffs. The setting further accentuates Langdon’s stature, with architectural elements such as a grand column and a decorative vase that frame him against a backdrop of a serene sky. The use of light and shadow highlights Langdon’s features and clothing, imbuing the portrait with a sense of depth and realism. The overall composition exudes an air of sophistication and authority, consonant with the neoclassical aesthetic.
