The Lonely Palette Ep. 3 - John Singleton Copley's "Portrait of Samuel Adams" (1772)
Jun 7, 2016
Samuel Adams, a historical figure, talks about the relationship between fine art and propaganda. They discuss the techniques used in John Singleton Copley's portrait of Samuel Adams, and its lasting impact as propaganda.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Propaganda and Art
- Propaganda's goal is to become obsolete by achieving its cause.
- Effective propaganda in art raises questions about art's definition, especially with new technologies blurring lines between trained artists and those using devices.
Balancing Relevance and Timelessness
- Fine artists desire lasting recognition, aiming for timelessness like the old masters.
- Modernism complicated the balance between appealing to contemporary audiences and achieving lasting relevance.
Copley's Portrait of Samuel Adams
- Copley's portrait of Samuel Adams, commissioned by John Hancock, hangs in the MFA's Art of the Americas wing.
- Hancock commissioned the portrait to improve his political standing, despite disliking Adams.