Art 318 - John Singleton Copley - Part 3

Summary

In this final part on John Singleton Copley, the focus shifts to his dramatic painting 'Watson and the Shark,' a historical scene that blends realism and myth. The work depicts the harrowing shark attack on young Brooke Watson, who later commissioned the piece. Copley’s technique and the dramatic composition draw upon heroic imagery, referencing figures like Saint George and the Borghese Gladiator. The shark is stylized into a monster, reflecting broader artistic traditions. The analysis also explores Copley's later versions of the painting, highlighting the evolution of his style and its impact on his career.

Takeaways

• 🎨 John Singleton Copley is primarily known for his portraits, but 'Watson and the Shark' represents a departure into history painting.
• 🦈 'Watson and the Shark' depicts a real event where young Brooke Watson was attacked by a shark in Havana Harbor.
• ⏳ History paintings typically focused on legendary, biblical, or mythological stories, but Copley portrayed a contemporary event.
• 🖌️ Copley's technique is highly detailed, emphasizing dramatic moments and turning points in the story for visual impact.
• 💪 The figure of Brooke Watson struggling in the water was inspired by the 'Borghese Gladiator,' emphasizing heroism against the odds.
• ⚔️ The young man about to impale the shark references Saint George and the Dragon, showing how Copley borrowed classical and religious motifs.
• 🐋 The shark is somewhat exaggerated, turning it into a monster-like figure, similar to depictions of sea monsters in stories like Jonah and the Whale.
• ✝️ Borrowing motifs and iconography from religious or historical art was intentional and conveyed meaning to viewers familiar with these references.
• 🌍 The African crew member is positioned prominently in the composition, though this does not necessarily reflect Brooke Watson's personal beliefs on slavery.
• 🖼️ Copley painted multiple versions of 'Watson and the Shark,' with differences in size, orientation, and mood, showcasing his evolving artistic style.
• 🎭 Later versions of the painting emphasize moodiness, murky water, and looser brushwork, foreshadowing Romantic sensibilities.
• 🏆 'Watson and the Shark' helped establish Copley's fame in England and became a defining work in his career.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Part Three of the lecture series on John Singleton Copley?

Part Three focuses on Copley's painting 'Watson and the Shark,' which is a departure from his usual portraits and explores a dramatic historical event involving a shark attack.

How does 'Watson and the Shark' differ from typical history paintings?

'Watson and the Shark' is based on a contemporary personal event rather than biblical, mythological, or legendary stories, which were more common subjects in history painting at the time.

Who was Brooke Watson and what happened to him?

Brooke Watson was a 14-year-old English orphan living with his aunt and uncle in the United States. While swimming in Havana Harbor, he was attacked twice by a shark, but was ultimately rescued.

Why does the painting depict the shark in a somewhat exaggerated or monstrous form?

Copley exaggerated certain features of the shark to enhance its threatening appearance, similar to how artists turned whales into monstrous figures in depictions of Jonah, making the scene more dramatic and emotionally engaging.

Which classical precedent influenced the depiction of young Watson struggling in the water?

The pose of young Watson is thought to be inspired by the 'Borghese Gladiator,' a famous sculpture in the Louvre, emphasizing heroism and struggle against overwhelming odds.

How is the figure of the man about to impale the shark related to historical or legendary imagery?

This figure draws on precedents like Saint George and the Dragon, showing a hero confronting a dangerous creature, reinterpreted here as a young sailor confronting a shark.

What is the significance of the African crew member's placement in the painting?

The African crew member occupies a prominent position, which could suggest importance, but in the context of Brooke Watson's career, it likely reflects Watson's personal memory of the event rather than a political statement about abolition.

How did 'Watson and the Shark' impact Copley's career?

The painting brought Copley significant critical acclaim and fame, particularly in England, and helped establish his reputation as a leading artist.

What are the differences between the various versions of 'Watson and the Shark' painted by Copley?

The first version was commissioned by Watson, the second version was kept by Copley and closely followed the original composition, while a third, smaller, vertical version featured darker, moodier colors, looser brushwork, and an intensified sense of anxiety.

How does Copley's use of historical and religious iconography influence 'Watson and the Shark'?

Copley borrowed motifs and body postures from religious and classical art to convey heroism, tension, and drama, demonstrating the influence of earlier artistic traditions on his work while adapting them to contemporary subjects.

Why is the painting sometimes considered unsettling or terrifying?

The painting captures the climactic moment of a shark attack, with Watson appearing vulnerable and the rescue uncertain. The dramatic tension, proximity of the shark, and exaggerated features contribute to a sense of danger and fear.

What is the connection between 'Watson and the Shark' and Benjamin West's 'The Death of General Wolfe'?

Both paintings break from traditional history painting by depicting contemporary events with dramatic heroism, rather than mythological or biblical subjects, reflecting a shift in the scope of history painting in the 18th century.