Artwork
John Montresor
John Montresor is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist John Singleton Copley. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
It’s an oil portrait, so the colors are rich and the details sharp.
This painting shows British officer John Montresor. American artist John Singleton Copley painted it in 1771. It’s an oil portrait, so the colors are rich and the details sharp.
The book in Montresor’s hand is called Field Engineer. It hints at his day job, he built maps for the British Army. Copley made sure the brushwork shows Montresor’s rank and skills.
This portrait hangs at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Look up the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Overview
John Montresor, a 1771 oil painting by John Singleton Copley, portrays British Royal Engineer John Montresor, highlighting his dual role as soldier and cartographer.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Montresor, is depicted holding 'Field Engineer', symbolizing his profession as a cartographer and engineer within the British Army's American garrison.
Technique & Style
Copley's use of oil paint achieves rich colors and sharp details, with deliberate brushwork emphasizing Montresor's military rank and professional expertise.
History & Provenance
Created in 1771 by American artist John Singleton Copley, the painting is now part of the collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
John Singleton Copley (July 3, 1738 – September 9, 1815) was an American-born British painter active in both the Thirteen Colonies and England.
Untitled
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel William Shirriff, H.E.I.C.S. (1759/1760-1802)
Sir John Orde
Major-General Sir Archibald Campbell
Portrait of Lieutenant General James Cuninghame
Portrait of Captain James Cook
Thomas Grove of Ferne, Wiltshire
George Legge, Viscount Lewisham
John Beale Bordley
Sir George Augustus Elliott, Baron Heathfield
Portrait of a Man in a Tricorn Hat