Richard Dana
Original title: Richard Dana
kurzbeschreibung
John Singleton Copley painted Richard Dana around 1770 in oil on canvas. The portrait, measuring 101.6 x 127 cm, shows the sitter in formal attire with his right hand raised to his chest.
Description
A white wig with a knot, a white neckcloth, and a black coat define the man's appearance. His right hand is brought to his heart, while his left hangs relaxed. Dark curtains frame the background, which opens onto trees and a blue sky. Bright light falls on his face and hand, emphasizing his features and the gesture.
Context
Copley was one of the leading portraitists of colonial America. The picture was made around 1770 in Boston, where he worked before moving to England. Richard Dana belonged to the local elite; such portraits served to represent civic identity.
Impact
The restrained palette and serious pose give the portrait a dignified, formal mood. Through targeted lighting, the face and the touching gesture come to the fore, lending the image a personal note.
Technique
Oil paint on canvas, as was usual for 18th-century portraiture, allowed for a nuanced rendering of fabrics and facial features. Copley's precise brushwork and confident command of the medium are evident here.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)