Biography of John Singleton Copley


John Singleton Copley is an American portrait painter, was born in Boston. Copley is considered one of the greatest American masters.

He studied with his stepfather, Peter Pelham, and also visited the studio Smiert and Fick. When the artist was 20 years old, Copley’s biography was already known as the story of a successful portrait painter. At that time he formed a style that is distinguished by brightness, clarity, direct characteristic.

In 1766, Copley’s painting “Boy with the Squirrel” was exhibited in London. The canvas delighted Benjamin West, he persuaded Copley to come to England. Nevertheless, the artist stayed in America for another eight years, worked in New York, Philadelphia as well as in Boston.

In 1744 in the biography of John Copley, a trip to Italy took place. Then he stayed in London, where he spent the rest of his life enjoying the fame, honor, being under the patronage of his famous customers. In England Copley’s style became more gentle, glossy, but the energy and individuality of his first works were lost. He continued to write portraits, expanded his repertoire, including in it historical scenes that formed the basis of Copley’s glory abroad. A large historical canvas “The Death of Lord Chatham” opened Copley access to the Royal Academy of Arts. The image of troubles, misfortunes of those times “Brook Watson and the Shark” is a unique harbinger of romanticism.

Today John Copley’s biography is famous not only for his early American portraits. These paintings are a treasure because of the magnificent paintings, as well as the most powerful graphics of that time.

Many portraits of the artist are an invaluable document reflecting the life of society. Among the best portraits of the later period: the image of Samuel Adams, as well as the Copley family. The Boston Museum of Art presents a magnificent collection of works by Copley.


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Biography of John Singleton Copley