A Boy with a Flying Squirrel (Henry Pelham)

Using his half-brother Henry Pelham as a model, Copley set out to create a work demonstrating his inventiveness and technical skill. He took special care in rendering textures-the boy's satin collar, the squirrel's bushy tail, and the mahogany table. The pose contributes to the intimate mood of this sensitive portrayal of a contemplative youth. In 1766 Copley sent this painting to London to be evaluated by Sir Joshua Reynolds, president of the Royal Academy, and other leading British painters.