A lavish, illustrated volume published to accompany an exhibition of Copley's work that will be traveling to several cities during 1996. The focus is on the paintings, miniatures, and pastels that Copley, the supreme portraitist of the colonial era, produced before he moved to London in 1774. Four principal essays place the work in historical and social context and bring new critical methods to bear upon the study of portraits and portraiture; four shorter essays treat various aspects of Copley's art and techniques. Catalog entries detail the sitters' lives and the ways in which Copley enhanced his subjects' status and presence. 10x12.25" Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR