Woodbury Langdon 1767

John Singleton Copley painted Woodbury Langdon, an American merchant and politician, sometime in the late 18th century. Copley, born in Boston, became well known for his portraits of the colonial elite, but he left for London on the eve of the American Revolution. Here, Langdon stands in a maroon coat and a blue waistcoat trimmed with gold. What does it mean to be a wealthy white man, positioned on the cusp of revolution? Langdon holds a letter, a symbol of communication and commerce, but also a hint of the political turmoil brewing. His gaze is direct and self-assured, embodying the confidence of a man of his class and era. Copley skillfully captures the material wealth of his sitter. Yet, this portrait serves as a window into the complex social and political landscape of pre-revolutionary America, revealing the interwoven threads of identity, power, and history.