Famous Paintings: Paul Revere

Famous Paintings Reviewed

Famous Paintings: Paul Revere

Posted by Susan Benford

An art history blog post from Famous Paintings Reviewed.

Paul Revere, one of the most famous paintings by John Singleton Copley (1738-1815), hangs in the new Art of the Americas wing at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Although the name "Copley" is commonplace in names of Boston streets, hotels, and stores, this is an art history case of unrequited love.

copley paul revere Raised in Boston by Irish emigrant parents, Copley was one of the leading American painters in Colonial America, but he disagreed with the Revolution. He left the fledging country in 1775 never to return to Boston (or the United States).

John Singleton Copley. Paul Revere. c. 1768-70. Oil on canvas, 35" by 28 1/2". Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gift of Joseph W., William B., and Edward H. R. Revere.

Copley portrays Revere in his vocation as silversmith. While the painting appears realistic and natural, both Baroque and Rococo influences are here:

Revere stares out directly at the viewer, inviting her in as Baroque figures so often do
Like other Baroque portraits, the figure is highly illuminated against a nearly black background
Copley's treatment of, and attention to, the reflections - in the teapot, the shiny wooden table, the pillow on which the teapot rests - link him to the Baroque and Rococo.

paul revere silver But Paul Revere is clearly a portrait by an American painter: Copley shows Revere as a

Right: Paul Revere teapot, 1760-65. Silver, 5 7/8".

natural, down-to-earth tradesman in simple clothing, absent ornamentation in fashion or studio.

Paul Revere lives on as one of Copley's most famous paintings not as much because of brilliant portraiture, but, ironically, because Paul Revere is a hero of the Revolution Copley despised.

Tags: american painters, paul revere, john singleton copley

Comments

Students in my AP Art History class love this work because it looks like Jack Black, the actor.

<a>http://www.answers.com/topic/jack-black-large-image<a>

Posted @ Monday, February 28, 2011 11:10 AM by Joel Cook

Not only do I enjoy your rich presentation of the background and history of each masterpiece, but I also find myself pursuing a deepened inquiry into all aspects of the people, the times and the artist. In other words, it seems you are fueling a full fledged art history course for me! Many thanks!

Posted @ Monday, February 28, 2011 11:44 AM by Leslie Homans

Very interesting and useful piece of American history! This is the kind of information that engages high school art students.

Posted @ Monday, February 28, 2011 2:22 PM by Becky Guinn

Thanks for the compliments, one and all. And Revere and Jack Black DO look similar!

Susan

Posted @ Monday, February 28, 2011 3:03 PM by Susan Benford

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Famous Paintings: Paul Revere

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