Portrait of Sampson Copestake of Kirk Langley 1726 - 1816

Joseph Wright of Derby's "Portrait of Sampson Copestake of Kirk Langley" is a striking example of 18th-century portraiture. The sitter, Sampson Copestake, is depicted in a three-quarter length pose, wearing a lavish blue coat trimmed with gold braid and buttons. Wright's attention to detail is evident in the finely rendered textures of the fabric and the subtle variations in light and shadow on Copestake's face. This piece showcases Wright's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects, solidifying his reputation as a leading portrait painter of his time.