John Singleton Copley Watson And The Shark 1778 Rescue Poster
A swimmer reaches for rescue as a shark closes in, in Copley’s dramatic 1778 masterpiece. The first great history painting of the sea.
Description
Watson and the Shark (1778) by John Singleton Copley captures the terrifying moment sailors in a harbor boat try to save a boy from a circling shark. With its vivid action and theatrical composition, this landmark American painting makes a gripping statement on any wall.








