Sketch for "Siege of Gibraltar" 1785 - 1789

Editor: This is John Singleton Copley's "Sketch for 'Siege of Gibraltar'," made between 1785 and 1789 using pencil, chalk, and charcoal on paper. The figures seem to be in a moment of quiet anticipation, and the sketch format adds a layer of intimacy. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This drawing offers us a glimpse into Copley's process, but also the sociopolitical context surrounding the event. The Siege of Gibraltar was a significant moment in British military history. How do you think Copley uses these figures to depict not just the historical event but also British identity at the time? Editor: Well, they seem very composed and stoic. Is that a fair assessment? Curator: It is. This composure can be read as a deliberate construction of masculinity, reflecting a specific ideal of the British soldier: strong, resolute, and embodying reason in the face of adversity. The "Siege of Gibraltar" as a history painting aimed to bolster national pride but also potentially obscures the complexities and human costs of warfare. How does the sketch aesthetic impact your understanding? Editor: It feels less propagandistic. The rawness and lack of finish give it a sense of honesty, or at least, a less filtered perspective. Curator: Exactly. The sketch invites us to consider the individual experiences of the soldiers, potentially humanizing them beyond their roles as instruments of empire. It lets us ask questions about the individual versus the state, and how these tensions are visualized in art. Do you find Copley succeeding? Editor: I do now. It's more nuanced than I initially thought. Curator: Seeing the historical sketch through this lens brings questions of power, representation, and national identity to the forefront. It helps us question traditional narratives. Editor: Definitely a different perspective than I had coming in, but really insightful.