The
Portrait of Lord Mansfield is a captivating oil on canvas painting by the renowned Anglo-American artist
John Singleton Copley. Created in 1783, this masterpiece depicts
William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, a Scottish politician and lawyer who served as Lord Chief Justice. The painting is now part of the collection at the
National Portrait Gallery in London.
The Artist and His Subject
John Singleton Copley was an American artist who emigrated to Britain in 1774 and achieved success with his history paintings, while continuing to produce portraits.
William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield was a prominent figure in politics and law, known for his rulings restricting the practice of slavery, notably the 1772
Somerset Case. The year Copley painted him, he made a major ruling in the case of the
Zong slave-trading ship.
Symbolism and Composition
In the painting, Mansfield is shown wearing his robes as a member of the House of Lords, with documents in front of him, symbolizing his legal office. A bust of the writer
Alexander Pope is visible in the background, highlighting their friendship. The painting was commissioned by Sir Francis Buller but eventually ended up in the possession of Copley's son, Lord Lyndhurst, who also reached the top of the British legal profession.
The Portrait of Lord Mansfield is a significant work that showcases Copley's skill as a portrait artist and provides insight into the life and legacy of
William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield. As a masterpiece of 18th-century art, it continues to fascinate audiences today.
For those interested in owning a piece of history,
ArtsDot.com offers handmade oil painting reproductions of this iconic work, allowing art lovers to appreciate its beauty and significance in their own homes.