John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815). <em>Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord,"</em> 1797–1798. Black crayon and white chalk on blue, medium-weight, slightly textured laid paper, sheet (sight): 12 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (31.1 x 36.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg, 1990.126.1a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.126.1a-b_recto_PS6.jpg)

John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815). Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord," 1797–1798. Black crayon and white chalk on blue, medium-weight, slightly textured laid paper, sheet (sight): 12 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (31.1 x 36.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg, 1990.126.1a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.126.1a-b_recto_PS6.jpg)

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Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord"

John Singleton Copley

American Art

On View:

John Singleton Copley regularly made preparatory drawings for his complex, multifigural paintings in the Grand Manner. This double-sided sheet of figure studies provides a fascinating glimpse into Copley’s creative process as he experimented with poses and costumes for a biblical narrative depicting a dramatic encounter between the prophet Samuel and King Saul (see illustration). The two highly finished sketches of Samuel’s voluminous drapery are particularly finely modeled with deft strokes of black chalk and highlights of white.

ARTIST John Singleton Copley, American, 1738–1815

MEDIUM Black crayon and white chalk on blue, medium-weight, slightly textured laid paper

DATES 1797–1798

DIMENSIONS sheet (sight): 12 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (31.1 x 36.2 cm) frame: 20 9/16 x 24 x 7/8 in. (2.2 x 52.2 x 61 cm) (show scale)

INSCRIPTIONS Inscribed in graphite, lower right of verso: "Copley" [Unsure if artist's hand or not]

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 1990.126.1a-b

CREDIT LINE Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Double-sided drawing. Recto has figure studies - Samuel whirling around in response to the hand of Saul pulling on his garment; verso has other figure studies.

EXHIBITIONS

Fine Lines: American Drawings from the Brooklyn Museum

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815). Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord," 1797–1798. Black crayon and white chalk on blue, medium-weight, slightly textured laid paper, sheet (sight): 12 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (31.1 x 36.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg, 1990.126.1a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.126.1a-b_recto_PS6.jpg)

IMAGE recto, 1990.126.1a-b_recto_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2012

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