Study for "The Siege of Gibraltar": Figures Scaling Floating Battery; Cannon 1785 - 1786

This graphite drawing by John Singleton Copley, dating back to 1785-1786, is a study for his monumental painting "The Siege of Gibraltar." Depicting two figures scaling a floating battery, the study captures the dynamic energy and tension of the scene. Copley's masterful use of line and shading gives a sense of movement and depth, foreshadowing the drama of the full painting. The drawing, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, offers a glimpse into the artist's process and reveals the meticulous detail and attention to human anatomy that characterize his work.