The painting portrays Peirson as a hero and celebrates the British victory, embodied by the raised Union Jack. During this time, British colonial forces were on the verge of losing their American colonies in the American War of Independence. Despite being a minor altercation, this victory served to boost confidence in the British Empire. Copley was commissioned by John Boydell, an engraver and printseller, to capitalise on this moment. The artwork served a propagandistic purpose, evidenced by the portrayal of the Black soldier retaliating for the British major’s death, even though there is no historical evidence to support this. 

Copley as an artist liked to pay attention to detail and chose to depict the setting of St. Helier, facing the Royal Square along the present-day Peirson Place, with the statue of George II in the background. The artist’s intention to create lifelike portraits of models for his works is evident in his depiction of figures like Adjutant Harrison, who cradles the fallen Major, and Clement Hemery, standing at Peirson’s feet in the blue uniform of his artillery company. Peirson and other figures in the painting likely drew inspiration from models, existing portraits, and sculptures. In the foreground on the right, a mother attempts to escape the battlefield with her baby and a child. The civilians fleeing towards the right side of the painting are modelled after Copley’s wife, family nurse, and children.

A golden statue is also visible under the flag. On the left side of this tableau, a uniformed Black man appears to be firing back at the French forces who had just felled Peirson. Amidst a crowd of British soldiers dressed in red, this man stands out with a navy waistcoat, silver epaulettes, and a distinct hat adorned with various coloured ostrich feathers.

A Propaganda Painting with Hidden Anti-slavery Message

The identity of the Black man in the painting has been a subject of speculation for decades. Some historians propose that he might have been modelled after one of two Black servants in Captain James Christie’s employ, Abraham Allec and Isaac Burton. Regardless, it remains uncertain as to why this particular portrayal was chosen by the artist. Many of Copley’s contemporaries were either slave owners or had Black servants in their British households. Even Copley’s own family in Boston, Massachusetts, had an enslaved African child in their home.

In fact, the elegant attire of the Black soldier, including the extravagant ostrich feathers in his hat, deviates from the remote context of the American War. These elements contribute to the eroticisation of Black figures, which was a common motif in the art of the time. This portrayal aligns with the pro-Empire propaganda of the era, symbolising the loyalty of British colonies and people subjected to British exploitation. The depiction of the Black soldier in an active role was unusual, departing from the passive representations often seen in European art.

Some art historians claim that Copley’s portrayal hints at a progression towards recognising Black freedom, however, there is insufficient evidence to link him to any abolitionist cause. Regardless of any potential antislavery sentiment, Copley’s lack of consideration for the individuality of the Black man reflects the overall tendency to depict Black subjects with undifferentiated, symbolic attributes. According to critics, this painting perpetuates stereotypical and dehumanising portrayals of Black people and echoes the historical role of Black men within the British army as expendable assets in the defence of British colonies.

Legacy of An Artist and His Masterpiece

Despite Major Peirson’s early demise in the Battle, the artwork portrays him as falling heroically during the final charge, adding more dimension to his role and destiny. Peirson ascended to the status of a national hero, and the painting garnered significant attention during its initial exhibition, commanding an admission fee of one shilling. From 1989 to 2010, a reproduction of this artwork was featured on the Jersey 10-pound note, and before that, on the 1-pound note. However, it was not just this artwork that garnered Copley his fame. Copley held the distinguished title of being the premier and most impactful artist in colonial America, contributing around 350 remarkable pieces of artwork. His legacy is commemorated through significant landmarks like Boston’s Copley Square and Copley Plaza, in addition to places such as Copley Township in Summit County, Ohio, and the Copley Crater on Mercury. In recognition of his artistic contributions, the U.S. Postal Service honoured John Singleton Copley with a 5-cent stamp in 1965, marking the 150th anniversary of his passing.

Next up in Behind the Art: From Chaos to Victory: The Battle of Camperdown’s Enduring Impac

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