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          • John Singleton Copley
          • Most Popular Paintings
          the collector's folio

          John Singleton Copley Most Popular Paintings

          The 25 artworks by John Singleton Copley our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

          Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
          Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Singleton Copley · 1738 – 1815

          Watson and the Shark

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #1: Watson and the Shark
          1778 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 182 x 230 cm

          Experience John Singleton Copley’s ‘Watson & the Shark’! A dramatic 1778 oil painting of a daring rescue. Explore its dynamic composition, rich color palette & historical significance.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 1 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$33135 × 28 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$1554230 × 182 cm Commission at original size

          The Colapse of the Earl of Chatham in the House of Lords (also known as The Death of the Earl of Chatham)

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #2: The Colapse of the Earl of Chatham in the House of Lords (also known as The Death of the Earl of Chatham)
          1779 · Tate Gallery, London

          Witness history unfold! John Singleton Copley's 'The Collapse of the Earl of Chatham' captures a pivotal moment in British politics – a dramatic scene brimming with tension and intrigue.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 2 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

          Brook Watson and the Shark

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #3: Brook Watson and the Shark
          1778 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 182 x 230 cm

          A dramatic 18th-century Neoclassical masterpiece by John Singleton Copley captures the terrifying moment of a shark attack in Havana, inviting you to experience this legendary tale of survival through fine art.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 3 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$35636 × 28 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$1579230 × 182 cm Commission at original size

          Lemuel Cox

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #4: Lemuel Cox
          1770 · Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore · original 100 x 126 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's 'Lemuel Cox,' a captivating 1770 portrait showcasing colonial elegance and masterful detail. Explore the painting’s history & significance at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 4 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$532100 × 126 cm Commission at original size

          John Quincy Adams

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #5: John Quincy Adams
          1796 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston · original 76 x 63 cm

          Admire John Quincy Adams by John Singleton Copley – a Neo-Classical masterpiece capturing the 6th President's dignified presence. Explore its rich details, balanced composition & historical significance.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 5 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$29763 × 76 cm Commission at original size

          The Return of Neptune

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #6: The Return of Neptune
          1754 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 69 x 113 cm

          This artwork is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and reflects Copley’s fascination with maritime themes and his ability to convey complex ideas through balanced compositions.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 6 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18140 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$388113 × 69 cm Commission at original size

          Mrs John Winthrop

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #7: Mrs John Winthrop
          1773 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 90 x 73 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's 'Mrs. John Winthrop,' a captivating portrait capturing Hannah Fayerweather’s elegance and grace. This exquisite 1773 painting showcases Copley’s mastery of detail and light, offering a glimpse into colonial Boston society.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 7 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$35173 × 90 cm Commission at original size

          Samuel Adams

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #8: Samuel Adams
          1772 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston · original 127 x 102 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's masterful portrait of Samuel Adams – a pivotal figure in American history. Explore this iconic painting housed at Boston’s MFA and discover the Neo-Classical style that captures Adams' character with remarkable detail.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 8 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$543102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

          Paul Revere

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #9: Paul Revere
          1768 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston · original 87 x 71 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's 'Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Winslow,' a stunning colonial portrait capturing intimacy and detail. Witness American art history at the MFA, Boston.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 9 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$33971 × 87 cm Commission at original size

          Samuel Verplanck

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #10: Samuel Verplanck
          1771 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 100 x 88 cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 10 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$41888 × 100 cm Commission at original size

          The Nativity

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #11: The Nativity
          1777 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston · original 63 x 76 cm

          Experience John Singleton Copley's 'The Nativity,' a stunning neo-classical depiction of the birth of Christ, showcasing serene figures and masterful detail.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 11 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$35635 × 29 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$47276 × 63 cm Commission at original size

          Hannah Loring

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #12: Hannah Loring
          1763 · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

          Admire John Singleton Copley's masterpiece, 'Hannah Loring,' a stunning oil painting depicting elegance and beauty at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Explore his legacy and discover more about this iconic American portrait.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 12 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

          Martin Howard

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #13: Martin Howard
          1767 · Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid · original 100 x 102 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's 'Martin Howard,' a striking 1767 portrait showcasing colonial elegance & Neo-Classicism. Explore the details at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 13 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$460100 × 102 cm Commission at original size

          The Copley Family

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #14: The Copley Family
          1776 · National Gallery of Art, Washington

          Experience the elegance of John Singleton Copley's 'The Copley Family' (1776). This iconic portrait captures a Boston family’s wealth and connection, now available as a stunning, handmade oil painting reproduction.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 14 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18135 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

          Gulian Verplanck

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #15: Gulian Verplanck
          1771 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 111 x 89 cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 15 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$45089 × 111 cm Commission at original size

          William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #16: William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
          1783 · National Portrait Gallery, London

          Admire John Singleton Copley's masterful portrait of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield – Lord Chief Justice and champion of abolition. Explore the symbolism & artistry of this iconic piece from London’s National Portrait Gallery.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 16 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

          Mrs. Jerathmael Bowers

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #17: Mrs. Jerathmael Bowers
          1763 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 100 x 126 cm

          Notable works by Copley include 'Mrs John Winthrop', 'The Return of Neptune', and 'Midshipman Augustus Brine'.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 17 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$532100 × 126 cm Commission at original size

          John Singleton Copley Self-Portrait

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #18: John Singleton Copley Self-Portrait
          1784 · National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. · original 56 x 56 cm

          John Singleton Copley's 'Self-Portrait,' painted in 1784, captures the artist’s likeness with remarkable realism against a backdrop of opulent attire—a testament to his pioneering blend of Anglo-American artistic sensibilities during a pivotal moment in American history.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 18 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$24656 × 56 cm Commission at original size

          The Copley Family

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #19: The Copley Family
          1776 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 184 x 229 cm

          A masterful Neo-Classical group portrait by John Singleton Copley capturing the intimate yet formal essence of colonial Bostonian life through exquisite textures and light, inviting you to explore this historic masterpiece.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 19 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$1413229 × 184 cm Commission at original size

          Admiral of the Fleet Howe (1726–1799), 1st Earl Howe

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #20: Admiral of the Fleet Howe (1726–1799), 1st Earl Howe
          1794 · original 77 x 119 cm

          John Singleton Copley’s striking portrait of the 1st Earl Howe captures a powerful admiral in a formal setting, showcasing the artist's mastery and bridging Anglo-American aesthetics. Own this meticulously hand-painted reproduction and discover a timeless masterpiece.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 20 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$429119 × 77 cm Commission at original size

          Mrs.Ezekiel Gondthwait (Elizabeth Lewis)

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #21: Mrs.Ezekiel Gondthwait (Elizabeth Lewis)
          1771 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston · original 127 x 101 cm

          Admire John Singleton Copley's 'Mrs. Ezekiel Gondthwait,' a stunning 1771 portrait showcasing elegance & colonial wealth. Explore its symbolism at the MFA Boston.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 21 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$539101 × 127 cm Commission at original size

          Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #22: Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord
          1798 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

          Witness the dramatic biblical scene of Saul's rebuke by Samuel! John Singleton Copley’s 1798 masterpiece, ‘Saul Reproved,’ showcases rich detail & emotion – a timeless work of art.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 22 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

          The Death of Major Pierson

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #23: The Death of Major Pierson
          1782 · Tate Gallery, London

          Witness the dramatic death of Major Peirson in John Singleton Copley's iconic 1783 painting, 'The Death of Major Peirson.' A pivotal moment in American history, rendered with masterful detail and emotional intensity.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 23 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

          Mrs. John Winthrop (Hannah Fayerweather)

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #24: Mrs. John Winthrop (Hannah Fayerweather)
          1773 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 90 x 73 cm

          Born in Boston in 1738, John Singleton Copley was a self-taught painter who bridged the gap between British and American artistic traditions. His keen observation of textures and materials contributed to his distinctive style.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 24 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$35173 × 90 cm Commission at original size

          Daniel Crommelin Verplanck

          View the most popular artwork of John Singleton Copley ranked #25: Daniel Crommelin Verplanck
          1771 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 125 x 101 cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 25 of 562 artworks by John Singleton Copley
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$533101 × 125 cm Commission at original size
          The artist

          John Singleton Copley

          1738 – 1815

          Portrait of John Singleton Copley
          Quick facts
          • Vibeelegant, classic
          • Room fitliving room
          • Mediumsoil on canvas
          • Also known asJohn Singleton Copley, the Elder, R.A. Copley, J. S. Copley, Copley, R.A. J.S. Copley
          • Topics exploredportraiture, 18th century, portrait, neo-classicism, copley
          • Born1738, Boston, United States
          • Works on APS562
          • Corpus themesanglo-american aesthetic, social status, classical ideals, copley's signature style, neoclassical influence
          Biography

          Early Life, Family and Training

          John Singleton Copley emerged from the commercial grit of colonial Boston, born in 1738. His upbringing was rooted in the maritime trade of Long Wharf, where his mother, Mary Singleton Copley, managed a shop. His father, Richard Copley, worked as a tobacco merchant. This environment provided more than just a social backdrop; it offered a direct view of the material textures and social hierarchies that would later define his visual language. He was not born into an artistic dynasty, but his proximity to the merchant class ensured he understood the value of the objects he would eventually paint.

          His formal introduction to the craft came through his stepfather, Peter Pelham, an engraver and limner. While Pelham provided the initial technical foundation, Copley’s true development was a product of solitary, relentless labor. He was largely self-taught, bypassing the traditional European academy system in favor of a rigorous, self-imposed curriculum. He spent years meticulously copying engravings to master the mechanics of light and form. This disciplined, self-cultivated approach allowed him to bypass the limitations of his local surroundings and develop a technical precision that his predecessors in the colonies lacked.

          Success as a Colonial Portraitist

          By the 1760s, Copley had already secured his position as Boston’s premier portraitist. He did not merely paint faces; he manufactured the social identities of the colonial elite. His ability to translate material wealth into visual authority made him the preferred choice for the city's most influential figures. He understood that a portrait was a tool for projecting status, using textures and specific objects to signal a sitter's place in the social hierarchy.

          His technical precision allowed him to move beyond simple likenesses. In his 1771 portrait of Mrs. Ezekiel Gondthwait (Elizabeth Lewis), the rendering of luxurious fabrics and refined posture communicates a specific sense of social standing. This was not accidental. Copley used every detail—from the gleam of silver to the drape of a sleeve—to calibrate the viewer's perception of his subjects. He turned the act of sitting for a portrait into a calculated performance of wealth and power.

          The breadth of his clientele reflects the shifting landscape of colonial leadership. He captured the likeness of Paul Revere about 1768 and painted Samuel Adams in 1772. These were not just commissions; they were visual records of the men shaping the political future of the colonies. His work provided the visual vocabulary for a society in transition, documenting the very people who would soon define a new political order.

          Artistic Style and Technique

          Copley’s aesthetic represents a calculated confluence of Rococo elegance and Enlightenment intellectualism. He did not merely replicate the decorative flourishes of his predecessors; he tempered them with a rigorous, Neo-Classical vision. This approach prioritized order, clarity, and moral virtue, qualities that resonated deeply within the colonial context. His work avoids the superficiality often found in purely decorative styles by grounding every composition in anatomical accuracy and psychological depth. He did not settle for a surface-level likeness. Instead, he used the sitter's posture and expression to reveal an underlying character, turning a simple portrait into a precise study of human identity.

          The technical execution of his paintings relies on a sophisticated layering of translucent glazes. This method, combined with rapid brushwork, allowed him to achieve a high degree of realism in texture and light. He possessed a specific ability to render the material world—the heavy weight of fabric, the cold gleam of metal, and the subtle gradations of skin—with a precision that felt immediate. This technical proficiency ensured that his subjects appeared as physical presences rather than flat representations. By mastering the interplay of light and shadow, he sculpted figures that possessed a tangible volume and a sense of permanence.

          • Mrs. Jerathmael Bowers
          • The Return of Neptune
          • Mrs. John Winthrop

          Ambition and Life in Europe

          Copley’s move to Europe was a calculated attempt to secure a foothold in the established artistic centers of the Old World. Long before his departure, his talent had already registered in London; he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Artists of Great Britain on September 3, 1766. This recognition provided the necessary momentum for his eventual relocation. In 1774, he left the Thirteen Colonies behind, traveling with his wife, Susanna Farnsworth Clarke, and their children. He settled in London that same year and never returned to America.

          His time in Europe was marked by a deliberate pursuit of classical training. During the summer of 1774, he studied in Rome, a move intended to refine his command of composition and historical narrative. This period of study was not a mere excursion but a fundamental shift in his professional trajectory. By positioning himself in London, he sought to transition from a colonial portraitist to a painter of significant historical weight, testing his technical ability against the standards of the British art scene.

          Major Works and Historical Painting

          Copley’s output reveals a calculated shift from the social portraiture that secured his colonial standing toward the high-stakes arena of history painting. His early engagement with classical themes is evident in The Return of Neptune, painted about 1754. This work shows an early attempt to move beyond the mere likenesses of Boston's elite by utilizing the compositions of Old Masters. Even in his more personal depictions, such as The Copley Family in 1776, there is a clear intent to use the canvas to establish a specific social identity through carefully choreographed settings and objects.

          The move to Europe prompted a more aggressive pursuit of historical narratives. He sought to tackle the most prestigious genre of the era, often choosing scenes of intense drama or political weight. Watson and the Shark, painted about 1778, demonstrates this drive toward dramatic tension. His most ambitious undertaking in this vein was The Death of Major Peirson, a work that attempted to capture the chaos of the Battle of Jersey. While some critics questioned the composition, the painting remains a significant attempt to translate modern conflict into the grand scale of historical art.

          His later career in London saw him tackling complex political scenes, such as The Colapse of the Earl of Chatham in the House of Lords in 1779. This work moved away from the battlefield to the structured, high-tension environment of British governance. Through these varied subjects, Copley attempted to prove that a painter trained in the colonies could master the heavy, dramatic requirements of European historical tradition.

          Later Years and Death

          The final chapter of Copley’s life in London was marked by a decline in the professional momentum he had once enjoyed. His later years were less successful than his earlier period of prominence. Financial instability shadowed his final years, and he died heavily in debt. This fiscal struggle stands in sharp contrast to the social status his colonial portraits once helped define for the New England elite.

          He died in London in 1815. His remains were interred at Croydon Minster in Croydon, Surrey. While his career ended under financial strain, his technical precision remains a fixed point in the study of 18th-century portraiture and historical composition.

          Questions & Answers

          How do I find works by John Singleton Copley in a specific palette?

          To find works by John Singleton Copley in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.

          Is there a 3D virtual tour of John Singleton Copley's works?

          A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of John Singleton Copley presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

          Is there a timeline of John Singleton Copley's works?

          The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents John Singleton Copley's works ordered by date, year by year.

          By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 15, 2026
          Collector's quiz
          1. In which city was John Singleton Copley born?

          2. What was the occupation of Copley's mother, Mary Singleton Copley?

          3. Which artist provided Copley with initial guidance and training?

          4. In what year did Copley embark on a journey to Europe with his family?

          5. Which artwork was sent to the Society of Artists in London in 1766?

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