Black and white chalk sketch on blue paper of two standing soldiers in tall hats, one with hand on hip, a faint figure behind.

Sketch for Siege of Gibraltar: Two Soldiers in Hats

Two standing male figures in military-style coats and tall hats are drawn in black chalk with white highlights on blue paper. The taller figure, in profile facing left, rests a hand on his hip, while a fainter, sketched figure stands behind him.

Artist: John Singleton Copley
Date: 1785–89
Medium: Black chalk, heightened with white chalk, on blue laid paper
Source: Art Institute of Chicago
Size: 1686 × 2199 px

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Public domain · Art Institute of Chicago releases this image under CC0 (latest date 1789).
Rights checked 2026-11-05 · tier A · as stated by the source: CC0 (Art Institute of Chicago, is_public_domain=true)

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection

18th century study black chalk drawing blue paper neoclassical soldiers standing figure military uniform preparatory drawing white chalk highlights