John Singleton Copley, R.A.

The Leger Galleries Ltd., London, by May 1989;

Alexander Gallery, New York;

From whom acquired by the present collector, 2002.

London, The Leger Galleries Ltd., British Painting, May -June 1989, pp. 124-26, no. 22, illustrated in color

Painted in 1761, the present work depicts Lieutenant William Hall, and is an outstanding example of the artist’s miniatures. The work retains an inscription on the back that was likely done roughly 50 to 60 years after the work’s execution. Despite the inscription’s identification of the sitter as “Capt. William Hall,” art historian David Posnett has elaborated on the Lieutenant’s history: 

“William Hall was commissioned as an ensign in 1755 and joined the 45^th Regiment, later known as the Sherwood Foresters, at the garrison at Halifax. In May 1756 the English declared war on France and troops in America were allocated to act against French possessions. By 1758 William Hall had been promoted to a Lieutenancy and he took part in the siege and capture of Louisburg in that year. The 45^th Regiment was then garrisoned at Louisburg, although it sent a detachment to serve under General Wolfe at Quebec in 1759.

The period between 1759 and 1762 seems to have been a comparatively quiet time for the British troops stationed at Louisburg. It is likely that at that time William Hall might have taken leave and had the opportunity to travel to Boston where Copley was based. It is also possible that Hall, a rising young officer, might have been posted to the provincial capital of Boston.” (David Posnett, British Pictures, London 1989, p. 126)