John Singleton Copley, The Death Of Major Peirson At The Tate Britain Gallery In London UK England Editorial Image

When France invaded Jersey a young commander, Major Peirson, organised a successful counter-attack. Peirson was actually killed shortly before the battle, but Copley shows him at the centre of this scene, dying at the moment of British victory. The Black man to his left, firing back at the French forces represents Peirson’s servant, whose name was not recorded. He was sometimes referred to as ‘Pompey’. There is no historical evidence that ‘Pompey’ was present at the battle. Contemporary critics argue that Copley included him to suggest the loyalty of the British colonies to Britain.