The Copley Family
1776-1777
John Singleton Copley painted this intimate family portrait after fleeing revolutionary Boston for London, capturing a rare moment of domestic bliss amidst political turmoil. The artist included a self-portrait in the background, holding a portfolio, while his wife and four children cluster affectionately in the foreground. It’s a fascinating snapshot of an 18th-century family, complete with a discarded doll on the floor that adds a charming touch of everyday realism to this grand neoclassical composition. The painting was a huge success in London, proving Copley could master large-scale group portraits just as well as his famous American portraits.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.