description Watson and the Shark Overview
Watson and the Shark is a 1778 oil painting by the American-born artist John Singleton Copley. It dramatizes the rescue of Brook Watson, who lost part of his leg in a shark attack in Havana Harbor in 1749, arranging the event as a large-scale history painting. Copley produced multiple versions of the composition, and the primary version is held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
help Watson and the Shark FAQ
Who is the shark attack victim in Watson and the Shark?
The painting depicts Brook Watson, who lost part of his leg in a shark attack in Havana Harbor in 1749. Watson survived the attack and later became a prominent London merchant and Lord Mayor of London.
Who painted Watson and the Shark?
Watson and the Shark is a 1778 oil painting by John Singleton Copley, the American-born artist who relocated to London. Copley is better known for his portraits of colonial American figures but created this as a large-scale history painting.
Where is Watson and the Shark displayed?
The most famous 1778 version of the painting is held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. A later version by Copley is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Did Copley paint more than one version of Watson and the Shark?
Yes, Copley produced multiple versions of the painting. The primary 1778 version is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and another version is held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
explore Explore More
Similar to Watson and the Shark
ui.x_see_all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
