The portrait of John Hancock was painted in 1765 by John Singleton Copley. Copley painted the portrait of Hancock when he was just beginning political social and economical destiny. Hancock was a very powerful and influential man in designing not only the constitution but the entire country of America. Hancock was born poor but was adopted by his uncle Thomas who was a very wealthy merchant. Hancock soon inherited his uncle's fortune and used this money to launch his political campaign and enter into a new world. John Hancock was a man who did not dress very nicely however in this portrait Copley dressed Hancock up so that he would look presentable but not overly dressed. This portrait displays an American Identity because many people associate Hancock with the Declaration of Independence as he did have the biggest signature on it. Hancock also is one of the many faces of America as the Hancock building in Boston is named after him and a common phrase “give me your Hancock” means give me your signature. John Hancock’s intelligence and diplomatic manner helped give America a positive Identity as a country.