West v Copley

[poliphilo]

 I couldn't resist doing this.

West and Copley both painted pictures of the Death of the Earl of Chatham.

The Earl of Chatham- aka Pitt the elder- was the dominant British politician of his age. He suffered a seizure while speaking in the House of Lords- against the American rebels as it happens- and had to be taken home. His actual death occured- in bed- 34 days later but let's not quibble. 

So let's compare the two versions.

Here's West



And here's Copley



Now personally I find the West rather flat and boring and the Copley- with its strong, dramatic lighting and masterly grouping of figures- a tour de force but I'll shut up now and let you make up your own minds.....

Comments

[sovay]

Now personally I find the West rather flat and boring and the Copley- with its strong, dramatic lighting and masterly grouping of figures- a tour de force but I'll shut up now and let you make up your own minds.....

Copley's is the more dynamic: the whole direction of the crowd as well as the lighting leads the eye to the grey-faced statesman and within the mass of their attention there are all sorts of other small motions like hands raised in dismay or calm or heads turned to confer with one another and even some craning from the back of the crowd; the one seated peer who stands out for his stillness in the commotion, indifferently or perhaps even smugly. The other painting has too many classical attitudes. Copley is at least stealing from the Baroque.

[paserbyp]

Agreed regarding Copley.

[poliphilo]

I think the guy sitting apart is the speaker of the House of Lords. Or the Lord Chancellor. Or whatever the you call the person who presides over debates. He's in the business of keeping calm and aloof. You can tell he's special because of his extra large wig.

[mallorys_camera]

Huh. Can't say I really like either of them, but the Copley's wayyyy too busy for me.

[poliphilo]

That's odd, because I find the Copley very quiet and still. A hush has descended on the talking shop. Normal business has been suspended and political enemies stand united in the face of death.