Who painted Study for The Siege of Gibraltar?

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar was painted by John Singleton Copley in 1786.

Where can I see Study for The Siege of Gibraltar?

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Study for The Siege of Gibraltar?

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Study for The Siege of Gibraltar?

Museum-quality prints of Study for The Siege of Gibraltar are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar

John Singleton Copley , 1786

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Singleton Copley. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1950.215
Credit line: Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund

About this work

Overview

Study for The Siege of Gibraltar is a drawing created by John Singleton Copley around 1786. It is a preparatory work for a larger history painting and is now held in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a man ascending a rope, his body twisted in a dynamic pose. The scene is related to the Great Siege of Gibraltar, a significant military event during the American Revolutionary War.

Technique & Style

Copley's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of dynamic movement, with the dark figure of the climber set against a muted grey-blue background. The contrast between light and dark tones emphasizes the physicality of the scene.