Collection
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American Art

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

John Singleton Copley

1 of 2

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. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

American Art

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

Drawing

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

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Artists and makers

John Singleton Copley

5 works in the collection