An affecting reunion in the American art galleries: John Singleton Copley’s portraits of Boston-based merchant, Samuel Phillips Savage (1718–1797), and his wife, Sarah Tyler (1717/18–1764), are together at the Worcester Art Museum for the first time since 1963. Though companion paintings were often commissioned to celebrate a wedding, these portraits do not mark the beginning of the couple’s marriage, but rather commemorate its sad end. Sarah died in childbirth in February 1764, and various cues—such as her mask-like expression and rigid pose—suggest that her likeness was completed posthumously.

After the death of his wife Sarah Tyler Savage in 1764, Mr. Savage relocated to Weston, Massachusetts, where he purchased farmland. He remarried twice thereafter and participated in numerous patriotic occupations, including the moderation of the 1773 meeting that would catalyze the act of rebellion known as the Boston Tea Party. He also served as the President of the Massachusetts Board of War during the American Revolution.

Copley’s portraits passed through different branches of the Savage family and have been reunited only occasionally, first at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and, later, at the 1963 exhibition at WAM.

John Singleton Copley, 1764,
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA, 11/29/19