Study for “The Surrender of the Dutch Admiral De Winter to Admiral Duncan, October 11, 1797”: Admiral De Winter Raising the Colors

Description

Admiral De Winter Raising the Colors studies an urgent upward action through two closely related figures. One lunges toward the left while the other reaches toward the raised flag at the right, setting contrasting diagonals across the sheet. The pale surrounding field leaves the bodies and their gestures exposed, so the movement can be followed without the distractions of a fully developed battle scene.

John Singleton Copley made this drawing in 1798 for his painting of the Dutch admiral’s surrender to Admiral Duncan following the action of October 11, 1797. Black chalk, white heightening and gouache on blue paper allow dark contours and bright accents to work together. The drawing concentrates on how figures carry a significant event through posture, reach and the relationship between their overlapping forms.

Read our guide to giclée prints or browse the John Singleton Copley collection.