Samuel Adams (1722-1803), after John Singleton Copley (1738-1815)

Bass Otis

Created:

Movement:

1815

None

key Notes:

Patriotic Portraiture, Neoclassical Style

Dimensions:

30 x 25 1/4 in. (76.2 x 64.1 cm)

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Intermediate

New game

story of the work:

The painting "Samuel Adams (1722-1803), after John Singleton Copley (1738-1815)" by Bass Otis is a lithographic reproduction created in 1805, reflecting the influence of Copley's original portrait of the prominent American revolutionary leader. This work serves as a significant example of early American printmaking, illustrating the enduring legacy of Adams as a key figure in the American Revolution and the role of visual culture in shaping historical narratives.

Description of the work:

The painting "Samuel Adams (1722-1803), after John Singleton Copley (1738-1815)" by Bass Otis presents a formal portrait of the American statesman, characterized by a dignified pose and a somber color palette that emphasizes Adams' prominent features and attire. The composition reflects the neoclassical style, with a focus on realism and detail, particularly in the rendering of fabric textures and the subject's expression, which conveys a sense of gravitas befitting his historical significance.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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