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

John Singleton Copley made this pencil sketch as a study for his monumental painting "The Siege of Gibraltar" at some point in the late 18th century. Here we see the artist grappling with how to represent figures in dynamic poses. The sketch gives us a glimpse into the artistic process, revealing how Copley used a grid to scale up his composition. But it also provides a window onto the institutional and political contexts that shaped the art world of his time. Copley's decision to paint the Siege of Gibraltar reflects a desire to commemorate British military valor, but this came at a time when Britain was struggling to maintain its colonial power in the face of challenges like the American Revolution. Commissioned by the British government, the final painting aimed to boost national pride and legitimize imperial ambitions. To understand the full picture, scholars consult military archives, political pamphlets, and even costume books to grasp the social meanings embedded in Copley's art. Ultimately, this image is a reminder that art doesn't exist in a vacuum, but rather reflects the complex interplay of culture, power, and history.