Thomas Amory II, c. 1770-1772 portrait distiller by Meesterlijke vondsten

Colonial America's leading portrait painter John Singleton Copley was also one of the country's most prolific artists. Although he occasionally painted politicians and public figures, most of his models were merchants and members of the nobility. Copley was at the height of his success in America in the early 1770s, when he completed this elegant portrait of Boston distillery owner Thomas Amory II.

Copley was known for depicting his subjects in sumptuous costumes and elegant settings. In this painting, however, he presents Amory in a subdued brown coat and waistcoat, leaning comfortably on a lighter, heavy stone column, in front of a background of a similar colour. The artist's almost monochrome palette adds to the portrait's overall subtlety and sophistication. At the same time, Copley brings life to the composition through a diagonal line of bright details: Amory's head, face, white shirt and an uncovered hand are dramatically illuminated, a play of light that Copley continues along the gold-capped, honey-coloured cane. Amory's bright eyes, which give a friendly look to his wise and dignified appearance, look to the right. All these details together give a sense of story to the still portrait, suggesting that the merchant took a break during one of his walks that he regularly enjoyed on the streets of Boston.