John Adams (1735-1826)

John Singleton Copley

Created:
Movement:
1772
None
key Notes:
Political Portraiture, Neoclassical Realism
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Dimensions:
30 1/4 x 25 1/4 in. (76.8 x 64.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"John Adams (1735-1826)" is a portrait painted by John Singleton Copley in 1783, commissioned to commemorate Adams's role as a prominent leader in the American Revolution and his subsequent service as the second President of the United States. The painting exemplifies Copley's mastery of portraiture and his ability to convey the subject's character and intellect, contributing significantly to the visual culture of American identity during the late 18th century.

Description of the work:

"John Adams (1735-1826)" by John Singleton Copley is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a three-quarter pose, exuding a sense of authority and introspection. The composition is characterized by a rich color palette, with deep browns and warm tones, and meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of Adams' facial features and attire, which includes a dark coat and a white cravat, set against a muted background that enhances the figure's prominence.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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John Adams (1735-1826)