Attributed to John Singleton Copley, RA (1738-1815)

"Portrait of a gentleman,
Pencil and charcoal on grey paper

Copley, one of the foremost portrait painters of the eighteenth-century, was born in Boston in 1738. His family had recently emigrated from Ireland. His father was from Limerick and his mother from Co. Clare. He soon became the most important portrait aritst in New England, depicting most of the prominent citizens, for example, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. He left Boston in 1774 and travelled to Europe. He studied in Rome before returning to England in 1775 and remained there for the rest of his life. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1776 to 1812. He painted portraits throughout his career but is equally well-known for his large historical scenes, for example, “The Death of Major Pierson” in the Tate Gallery, London and “The Siege of Gibraltar” in The Guildhall Art Gallery, London. His works are to be seen in the National Gallery, Washington, the Metropolitan Museum, New York and the Tate Gallery and National Gallery in London."

"14 x 11 inches; 35.5 x 27 cm.
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