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Introduction

In the summer of 1769, Elizabeth Murray spent her days caring for her infirm husband, James Smith, who died in early August. Shortly thereafter, the new widow began to make plans for a trip to England and Scotland. During these preparations, she sat for this portrait by the renowned Boston-born artist John Singleton Copley. One of the colonies' most talented artists, Copley left America permanently in 1774 and settled in England.

Scroll over the portrait for more information about Copley, Colonial American culture, and Elizabeth Murray. Any time a new topic appears you may click on the pop up box for additional infromation about that subject.