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International Art Treasures Web Magazine June 2004 |
John Singleton CopleyCopley, oft described as "the greatest American painter of the 18th Century" is the subject of an exhibition at the Chrysler Museum of Art beginning May 21 through August 8, 2004 Boston YearsThe Bostonian was largely self-taught in his chosen profession, studying anatomy books and painting reproductions. Greatly influencing his knowledge and style was his study of European art through Paul Pelham's art collection. Pelham, a noted engraver, was Copley's step-father. Copley's first studio was set up while he was still a teenager. His Boston works were renowned for the honesty reflected in the subject's facial expressions. He painted numerous portraits of New England colonial society, especially among the emerging merchants and their growing wealth. The Portraits
Copley was commissioned to paint the daughters of Isaac Royall, Jr. of Medford, Massachusetts. The Loyalist family lived in a large estate, originally built by Royall, Sr., but left the US for England in 1775. The portrait of the sisters displaying their fine clothing was a testament to the wealth of their family. Isaac Royall Junior remodeled the estate by adding slave quarters and then purchased 27 slaves from Antigua. Royall by doing so doubled the number of slaves in Medford. The house and quarters survive today and are the only example left of slave quarters in the Northern USA. After the family fled the USA the estate was confiscated but eventually returned to Royall family heirs in 1806 who subsequently sold it. The family donated some of the profits to help build Harvard Law School. Eventually thanks to the fund raising efforts of the Daughters of America the house is now open to the public. The portrait pays strict attention to the posing girls with the background dark and drab, common to Copley's early style.
Mrs. Richard Skinner was the wife Captain Skinner of Marblehead. Copley displayed an incredible attention to detail in this elegant reflection of the flower held by the subject in the highly polished mahogany table. The dress and elegant furniture all lead to the conclusion, meant to be inferred by all who saw the work, that this lady is of the wealthy class. The portrait would hang in her home to be viewed by all guests. England YearsCopley was successful in Boston but was beset by self-doubt that he missed out on the European influences. In 1775 he moved to England after a brief tour of Italy.
John Singleton Copley met the Izards while he was in Italy. The difference in his style begins to show. Copley continues to demonstrate his gifts for portraiture but look at the background which is given great detail and attention. Far different from the dark background in Mary and Elizabeth Royall, this one is ripe with images including the sculpture at the back, the curtains and the trees. Copley included these symbols to demonstrate the worldly nature of the couple on their "Grand Tour" of Italy surrounded by the many antiquities. This painting hints at the coming change in Copley's technique. Copley's style changed dramatically after his move to England. His English works were ornate, following the custom, and regarded as losing some of Copley's originality that marked his talent. Eventually he would turn away from portraits and paint what would be known as history painting. History painting was considered to be extremely difficult to master and Copley naturally excelled. A painting would include many different historical figures and the artist's talents were put to the test to place each figure appropriately while paying detailed attention to their individual expressions. It was believed this was the artist's preference but in America his talent at portraiture was where the demand for his skills resonated. The exhibition is an example of the development of Copley's technique and its change over time. Accompanying the exhibit are Copley's Portrait of Miles Sherbrook, 1771 and other works by American artists including Charles Willson Peale, Benjamin West, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and Childe Hassam. All of these are from the Chrysler Museum of Art's collection of American painting and sculpture. |
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