John Singleton CopleyAmerican, 1738–1815Robert Hyde, Squire of Hyde
May one see it?
Not receiving at present
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Particulars
- Accession number
- 1943.1002
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
Meanwhile, in the life of John Singleton Copley
The whole life1774–1815 · Workplace
London
second half of the 1770s
A turn to history painting
In London Copley follows the fashion set by West and begins to paint historical pieces as well as portraits; together they create a new kind of history painting with modern subjects, chiefly the deaths of heroes, and scrupulous attention to contemporary detail. His first such work, “Watson and the Shark”, is based on the story of Brook Watson, who as a boy of fourteen was attacked by a shark while swimming in Havana harbour.
1776
Elected an associate of the Royal Academy
Copley is elected an associate member of the Royal Academy of Arts. From this year until 1815 he sends forty-three paintings to its exhibitions.
1779
Becomes an Academician of the Royal Academy
Copley is elected a full Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, three years after becoming an associate. Other accounts place his election to full membership in 1783.
