Study for "The Siege of Gibraltar": Figures Astride Spar 1785 - 1786

This graphite study on paper, by John Singleton Copley, captures figures in dynamic motion, part of his preparation for "The Siege of Gibraltar." The gridded paper reveals Copley's methodical approach. This technique, common among academic painters of the time, aided in transferring the composition to a larger canvas with accuracy, almost like an early version of digital scaling. We can feel the artist carefully building up the forms, guided by this grid. The drawing possesses a raw energy. The figures, though rendered with precision, convey a sense of struggle and urgency, the weight of their bodies almost tangible. This directness invites us to consider the labor involved in producing such large-scale historical paintings. They were not just acts of artistic genius, but also projects that required careful planning, physical effort, and sometimes, the assistance of studio assistants. Copley's study reminds us that even the most celebrated artworks are products of specific processes and social contexts.