The Portrait
General Thomas Gage had his portrait done in 1768 while he was a military general for the British. It was painted by John Singleton Copley who had met Gage the year it was painted. John Copley was sent to Boston to "quell the unrest that resulted from the quartering of the British troops." Copley was a painter who painted numerous patrons with different political views. This particular painting showcases the most powerful man in America at the time. Gage is depicted in a striking redcoat uniform, looking over his troops. [5]
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Self Portrait of John Singleton Copley
With Copley's portrait of Gage in full military attire while in front of his troops, it created a political statement that conveys Gage’s importance and strength in America. This pose was traditional among military officers when getting their portraits done. Copley used a technique, like in his portrait of Mercy Warren, where he drew something dark in the background, behind the focus of the painting. By doing this, it draws the eye to his powerful stance and his military in the background.[6] The painting was ‘universally acknowle’d.” The painting was known to be a masterpiece. It was elegantly finished and contains the properties ,such as depicting Gage's strength, that a genius would have.[7]
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Mercy Otis Warren painted by John Singleton Copley in 1763