Drapery Study for "Mary and Elizabeth Royall" c. 1758

John Singleton Copley's "Drapery Study for 'Mary and Elizabeth Royall'" is a c. 1758 preparatory drawing for a larger oil painting of the same name. The study, rendered in graphite on paper, is a close-up of drapery that would feature in the final work, allowing viewers to see how Copley meticulously observed and rendered the folds and textures of fabric. This detailed study highlights the importance of preparatory work in Copley's process, revealing his attention to realism and the nuanced details of his subjects.