Monmouth before James II

John Singleton Copley

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

Political tension, Historical portrait.

Dimensions:

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Intermediate

New game

story of the work:

"Monmouth before James II," painted by John Singleton Copley in 1778, depicts the moment of the Duke of Monmouth's appeal to King James II prior to the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. This work exemplifies Copley's mastery of historical narrative and portraiture, reflecting the political tensions of the time and the artist's engagement with themes of loyalty and legitimacy in British history.

Description of the work:

"Monmouth before James II," painted by John Singleton Copley in 1778, depicts the historical figure James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, in a moment of confrontation with King James II. The composition is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, with a rich color palette that enhances the emotional intensity of the scene, while the detailed rendering of the figures' costumes reflects the artist's meticulous attention to historical accuracy.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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