The Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin

Formal Analysis of the a Piece of Art
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Formal Analysis of a Piece of Art
The 18th century remains one of the most monumental periods for art bearing the changes it initiated. In that century, the biggest change was the gradual transition from Baroque taste into neoclassicism. The inspiration of Greek and Latin art began to influence the western world and the changes were visible in different works. The period is also notable for its uniqueness in the attempt to revive ancient art. Most artists of this era marked the advancements in the study and understanding of classical civilization, which became a moral, political, and aesthetic reference point for most artists. John Singleton Copley is among the artists whose works emphasized the transition from the ancient texture to the neoclassical touch. This paper analyzes Copley’s Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin, Object number 58.1 at the MWPAI gallery, which remains among the most monumental pieces of work in the 18th century. A detailed understanding of Copley’s Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin should steer a distinct influence that the 18th century would introduce into art especially the mezzotint printmaking technique.
The Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin above is a 1758 work by John Singleton Copley. Copley spent much of its time in America before setting activity in England after 1775. The work is an oil on canvas medium with overall dimensions of 50x40 inches.
The Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin bears a rich political and art history that should influence a viewer into prodding into its key visual elements. The portrait represents Thomas Aston Coffin as a little boy. Coffin is remembered as one of the most powerful commissioners in the colonial era (Sloboda, & Yonan, 2019). Coffin’s father was a loyalist in Boston, something that easily elevated him to the political ranks at a young age. Coffin’s family would move from Massachusetts to Canada where he further rose in the ranks to become secretary and controller of accounts before becoming knighted to Sir Thomas Aston Coffin, Baronet. His portrait bears significance in the political landscape, something that sets the tone for the themes and techniques in the work.
Copley employs a range of visual elements to define his technique and intent in the Portrait of Thomas Aston Coffin. The portrait showcases a young Coffin wearing an ivory-colored petticoat and a blue satin coat. In the 18th century, boys and girls at that age dressed similarly with a few distinctions to mark the differences. In the portrait, Copley included a plumed hat on the right side of the portrait,...