Portrait of Hugh Montgomerie, Later Twelfth Earl of Eglinton 1780

John Singleton Copley painted this portrait of Hugh Montgomerie, later Twelfth Earl of Eglinton, during a period of immense social and political change in both Britain and its colonies. Painted in the late 18th century, this portrait embodies the complex relationship between Scotland, its military, and the British Empire. Montgomerie, a Scottish nobleman, is depicted here in Highland dress, amidst a scene of military conflict, the textures and tones of his garments rendered in fine detail. The scene commemorates the burning of a city in present-day Ghana, reflecting the violent expansion of British mercantile interests during the period. Copley, an American artist trained in the British tradition, captures the Earl's commanding presence, but the inclusion of colonial violence complicates any straightforward celebration of the subject's heroic status. As art historians, we can look to sources such as military records, colonial documents, and even fashion history to further understand the historical context of this work. In doing so, we can appreciate how it reflects the intertwining of personal identity, imperial ambition, and artistic representation in this era.