The Copley Family

c. 1789

Robert Thew after John Singleton Copley

Associated Names
Robert Thew

Artist, British, 1758 - 1802

John Singleton Copley

Artist After, American, 1738 - 1815

The image shows a family portrait with a composition that includes the full bodies of five individuals. There are two adults seated and two children positioned around them. One adult is sitting in a chair on the left, with one child on their lap, while another adult on the right is holding another child. The adults have distinct features, with wigs styled in a manner suggestive of 18th-century fashion. The gentleman has a dark coat and knee-high stockings, and the lady wears an elaborate dress with voluminous sleeves and fabric, adorned with a bow. The children are clad in light-colored clothing typical of the era, and a small child stands in front, facing forward. The background features an ornate setting with a large column and a richly upholstered armchair, all set against a backdrop of foliage and a distant landscape view.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    stipple engraving

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. Copley Amory, Jr.

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 60.5 × 70.5 cm (23 13/16 × 27 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.11.1


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, below image, at left: J.S. Copley RA pinx; in plate, below image, at center: London Publish'd Nov.r 26 - 1789 - as the Act directs; in plate, below image, at right: R.t Thew sculp; verso: none

Wikidata ID

Q65365655

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