Study for "The Siege of Gibraltar": Figures Astride Spar
Original title: Study for "The Siege of Gibraltar": Figures Astride Spar
kurzbeschreibung
John Singleton Copley's drawing from 1785–86 shows a lively group of figures straddling a wooden beam. Executed in black and red chalk with white heightening on dark blue laid paper, the sheet was made as a preparatory study for the large painting 'The Siege of Gibraltar'.
Description
Several figures appear on the slanted beam, arms raised, legs extended, in animated poses. A grid covers the dark blue paper, used to transfer proportions. Black and red chalk strokes alternate with white accents that highlight certain areas. The loose line reveals the sketch, with the movement of the figures taking priority.
Context
The study belongs to the preparatory works for Copley's monumental history painting 'The Siege of Gibraltar', which he began in 1785 and completed in 1791. It deals with the defense of the British fortress against Spanish and French troops in 1782. Copley was working in London as a history painter at the time; this sheet also dates from that period.
Impact
Lively lines and energetic poses immediately create a sense of tension and movement for the viewer. The contrast between the dark paper and the bright chalk accents heightens the drama of the scene. The sheet feels immediate and sketch-like, allowing the viewer to sense the genesis of the large painting.
Technique
Black and red chalk, along with white chalk heightening, were used on dark blue laid paper. The drawn grid helped transfer the proportions later onto the painting. The different chalks enabled a quick yet precise rendering of movement and light.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)