The portrait of Sam Adams was painted by John Singleton Copley at around 1772. This is not just a portrait of Adams it was actually painted during a specific moment in history. This painting shows Adams challenging Governor Thomas Hutchinson in the wake of the Boston Massacre which took place on March 5, 1770. Adams is holding a petition prepared by angry citizens and pointing to the Massachusetts Royal Charter. Adams wanted British troops to be removed from Boston. Copley did not present Adams in a good manner as he gave him slumping shoulders and an ugly torso. However Adams stern look and his ability to fight for something he believes in show the American Identity that is still in place today which is fighting for what we believe and having equal right for everybody.