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Drapery Study for "Mary and Elizabeth Royall"

John Singleton Copley

1758

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Drapery Study for "Mary and Elizabeth Royall" is a 1758 graphite by John Singleton Copley, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Singleton Copley
When & what style?: 1758 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a sketch of a piece of fabric, likely a study for a larger painting. The fabric is draped over an unseen object, with folds and creases that give it a sense of volume and texture. The artist has used graphite and white chalk to create a range of tones, from deep shadows to bright highlights. The fabric appears to be made of a smooth, shiny material, possibly silk or satin. The way it drapes and folds suggests that it may be part of a formal or ceremonial garment. The artist's use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the sketch, making the fabric seem almost three-dimensional. If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to explore the Romanticism movement.