John Singleton Copley (1738–1815), John Trumbull (1756–1843), and Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) are three of the most important early American artists. Their work captured scenes of colonial, revolutionary, and post-independence America—especially through portraiture of the country’s founding fathers.
Patriots Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, and John Adams were all from the colony of Massachusetts and played pivotal roles in the fight for independence. They are remembered by posterity to differing degrees, which some 21st-century biographies have fittingly corrected.
‘Portrait of Samuel Adams’
A portrait of Samuel Adams, circa 1772, by John Singleton Copley. Oil on canvas; 49.5 inches by 39.5 inches. Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (Public Domain)
Much of today’s knowledge about the influential life and times of the fiery and persuasive Samuel Adams has been watered down to two facts: a contemporary American craft brewery uses his name, and he was a second cousin of John Adams….