Sailors Maneuvering a Cannon, Possibly a Study for "The Death of Sir John More at Corunna" 1807 - 1810

This charcoal drawing by John Singleton Copley, "Sailors Maneuvering a Cannon, Possibly a Study for 'The Death of Sir John Moore at Corunna'", is a preparatory sketch for a larger, more finished painting. It depicts a group of sailors in dynamic action, pushing and pulling a cannon, suggesting a moment of intense action during a naval battle. The gestural lines and hatched shading create a sense of movement and energy, characteristic of Copley's style. The drawing's connection to "The Death of Sir John Moore at Corunna" highlights Copley's interest in historical events and his skill in capturing the drama of human interaction.