Who painted Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole?

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole was painted by John Singleton Copley in 1786.

Where can I see Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole?

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole?

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole

John Singleton Copley , 1786

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Singleton Copley. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Drapery Study; Two Figures Pulling a Pole is a drawing created by John Singleton Copley in 1786. It is a study of fabric and human form in motion.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two figures, one kneeling and one standing, straining against a long pole. The focus is on the drapery enveloping the figures, capturing the folds and movement of the fabric as they exert themselves.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose, sketchy style, the drawing emphasizes the dynamic folds of the drapery and the twisting bodies. The rough lines and simple shapes prioritize capturing the movement and texture of the fabric.

History & Provenance

Copley, an American-born painter who relocated to London in 1774, produced this work as part of his ongoing exploration of form and movement. The drawing is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.