The artwork, titled “Sailors Maneuvering a Cannon,” was created by John Singleton Copley in 1810. This piece is associated with the Neoclassicism movement and is classified under the genre of sketches and studies.
The artwork depicts a group of sailors working together to maneuver a cannon. The sailors, rendered with expressive and dynamic lines, exhibit muscular tension and coordinated effort as they engage in this strenuous task. The drawing technique exemplifies the focus on anatomical precision and the dramatic presentation characteristic of Neoclassicism. The composition conveys a sense of motion and collective effort, capturing a moment of intense labor. The simplicity of the sketch emphasizes the raw physicality and determination of the figures.
