John Singleton Copley

John Singleton Copley was colonial America's finest painter, a man so skilled he could probably paint a portrait that looked more like you than you do. Born in Boston, he quickly became the go-to artist for the colonial elite, capturing the likenesses of notable figures like Paul Revere and John Hancock. Rumor has it that Copley was so in-demand, he had a secret system for prioritizing clients based on the quality of their gossip. A juicy tidbit about a neighbor might just get your portrait finished a little faster. This, of course, is pure speculation. Another tale, likely embellished, suggests that during the tense days leading up to the American Revolution, a mob showed up at his door looking for a British sympathizer. Copley, with the smooth charm of a man who convinces people to sit still for hours, allegedly diffused the situation by offering to paint a flattering portrait of their leader. He later moved to London, seeking to test his skills against European masters and escape the political turmoil. There, he continued to paint stunning portraits and dramatic historical scenes. So, while he may have been a prudent businessman, it's more entertaining to imagine him as a master of both the brush and the art of witty deflection.