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The parentage of John Singleton Copley was Irish. He was born in America. The most active years of his art career were spent in England. About the time of his birth in Boston, July 3, 1737, his father died, and the boy was named after his grandfather on his mother’s side, John Singleton of Quinville Abbey, County Clare. After ten years his mother married Peter Pelham, a painter and mezzotint engraver. From him Copley received instruction and encouragement in art. But Pelham died when Copley was fourteen, and the boy had then to be his own master. He was living in Boston at a time when Boston had but 18,000 inhabitants. His skill in painting gained him renown through-out the city. He was a handsome, brilliant young man, dressing and living in style, and moving in the best society. Within the limited range of New England life he played something of the part that Van Dyck in his time played in the larger world of Holland and England.
When Copley was thirty-two years old he married the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Richard Clark. His father-in-law was the agent of the East India Company, to whom later was consigned that historic cargo of tea which was flung into Boston Harbor. Expecting trouble with England, young Copley, who was now a thoroughly successful painter, went to Rome for a year’s stay; but in 1775 he took up his residence in London. He was received in a kindly and appreciative way by the great painter, Benjamin West, and soon became popular with the art loving public. After two years’ residence he was made an associate member of the Royal Academy. He became a full Academician in 1779, after exhibiting his most famous picture, the “Death of Chatham.”
Copley’s life was one of success and happiness. For him there were no struggles, and no embittering disappointments. His wife was beautiful and attractive, and they drew about them, in their home, a set of interesting and distinguished people. Their house on Beacon Hill was surrounded by eleven acres of land, which he called “Copley’s Farm,” and in which he took great pride and satisfaction. The Revolutionary War was naturally a matter of great concern to Copley, living as he was among English friends; but he remained steadfastly loyal to the land of his birth, and rejoiced at the issue of the war. As the Revolution closed Copley was working on the portrait of Elkanah Watson, and in December, 1782, he and Watson listened together to King George’s speech recognizing America’s independence. In the background of the Watson portrait Copley had introduced a ship, and when the two returned to Copley’s house after hearing the king’s speech, the artist painted on the ship’s mast the first American flag displayed in England.
Copley died in 1815, full of years and of honors. His son became Lord Chancellor Lyndhurst.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1. No. 45, SERIAL No. 45
COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
CHRIST REJECTED, by Benjamin West—Pennsylvania Academy