Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord"
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Object Label
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.
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) frame: 20 9/16 x 24 x 7/8 in. (2.2 x 52.2 x 61 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg, 1990.126.1a-b. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.126.1a-b_recto_PS6.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Studies for "Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord"
Date
1797–1798
Medium
Black crayon and white chalk on blue, medium-weight, slightly textured laid paper
Classification
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)
Inscriptions
Inscribed in graphite, lower right of verso: "Copley" [Unsure if artist's hand or not]
Credit Line
Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg
Accession Number
1990.126.1a-b
Rights
No known copyright restrictions
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