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Gulian Verplanck, 1771
John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815)
Oil on canvas; 36 x 28 in. (91.4 x 71.1 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Bayard Verplanck, 1949 (49.13)
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Description
Gulian Verplanck (1751–1799) was the youngest brother of Samuel Verplanck. After graduating from King's College (now Columbia University) in 1768, he went to Holland to acquire practical experience in mercantile and banking procedures by working at his uncle's firm, Daniel Crommelin and Sons. Returning to America, Gulian pursued a brief but successful career combining business and politics. In 1788 he was elected to the state assembly, serving twice as speaker. He became president of the Bank of New York and in 1792 helped found the Tontine Association, a precursor of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1784 he married Cornelia Johnston. They lived in New York with their seven children in the vicinity of Riverside Drive and 123rd Street. The portrait was painted during Copley's only visit to New York, in 1771, when Verplanck was twenty years old.
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