Art is an expansive and convoluted method of expression. It takes resolute dedication while at the same time requiring restriction of boundaries. Ever since art’s conception there have been pioneers that push the demands for what is deemed as productive. Although in retrospect, we see that these slight adjustments have become commonplace, for the time period they were insanely radical. Furthermore, mediums and arrangements have drastically been altered through our world’s timeline. At the beginning, art was used as a technique that aided in retelling histories. Now it is a total enigmatic and allusive means of expression where the minimalistic of strokes can retell an entire story. This is its beauty and concurrently its downfall. Despite the fact that the changes to historic art were a positive, art has now reached a pinnacle that is so accepting that it is hard to recognize the amazing from rubbish.
The art piece that really is a distinct classification of historic art is entitled “Watson and the Shark”. John Singleton Copley created this painting in 1778. It is located in the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. This work has many qualities that distinguish it as a classic piece, while at the same time pushing boundaries. Therefore, it has become a very popular oil painting in its own right, aside from being historic. One of the reasons that I label this artwork as vintage, historic, and radical is that the setting is nearly universal. It is such a great remnant of Old English art, while at the same possessing qualities of progression and tradition. Therefore, it really could call any reputable and highly established gallery home. The one place that it clearly could not land is a modern art collective, but rarely do historic pieces find their way to that type of setting.
“Watson and the Shark” also adheres to traditional qualities of historic art because it tells a story. As aforementioned, some of the earliest art methods were cave drawings, which aided the first humans to explain what they saw around them and create some type of documentation. “Watson and the Shark” also tells a story, which revolves around Brook Watson who fell off his uncles’ boat, being bitten twice by a shark. He was rescued, had his leg amputated, and eventually served as Lord Mayor of London. This painting retells this story in such a fashion that it galvanizes the fear and adrenaline that clearly was felt when this incident occurred. The viewer can see a man desperately trying to spear the shark as it nears the boy, who is only a foot away. The rest of the crew is creating a human chain to try and reach him. The artist did a marvelous job at taking you right to the moment and every single feeling associated with it.
This painting also is a somewhat progressive statement for its time. In that period of 1778, racism and prejudice were commonplace. Yet the painter included an African-American crewmember on the ship, who is desperately trying to help the fallen child. It is a revolutionary addition for that era. It also raises the question of why? Why would someone that is enslaved by another help their captor’s offspring? The answer is that the artist, possibly accidently or with intention was trying to explain that human goodness is a part of everyone, not just the powerful. Some may bring up the idea that the artist was just trying to be as accurate as possible, by detailing the experience to the very minute element. Yet, I believe that when you create an artwork such as this magnificent piece, there is a realization that it will be viewed by the millions and to put a minority in that specific role most definitely inspired a desire for the universality of rights for everyone, although at that time subconsciously.
In terms of the relation of what the artist was exactly attempting to convey when in comparison with my own interpretations, there is probably variation. That is one of the great complexities of art, and really anything in general, each individual views the world differently. Copley was commissioned to paint this piece, and actually created it without significant experience with the subject matter. He had never seen a shark and therefore, the one in the painting looks drastically different to the actual image of such a creature. It is for the most part a romantic painting, but has renaissance influences, as well as biblical. As previously mentioned, with the somewhat radical statement of equality, by inclusion of an African-American sailor, Copley had originally planned to make that figure a Caucasian. As time progressed, he made it necessary to augment that choice to include what was eventually decided upon. On a personal level, I think that Copley was doing the job that was assigned to him, but added his specific individual touches to reflect the artistic era in which it was generated. I sincerely doubt that Copley would believe that others would view this piece as a progressive statement, but in addition to the African-American sailor, there is another effective support for this claim, yet it is found in the actual history of the painting. Even though the child became crippled after his incident with the shark, he went on to lead an influential and historic life. Clearly, Copley had no influence over this occurrence, but as previously stated, by making such an impressive work, there obviously will be a desire within its viewers to understand the history behind it. Handicapped individuals at that time period were also looked down upon, and by painting such a piece, there will be a discovery of one physically disabled person who went beyond what was expected at that era.
“Watson and the Shark” is a classic romantic art piece. It has been one of my favorites for a generous amount of time. I first viewed it as a child, but made sure to see it again and again. I remember when laying eyes on it at that time, and how it seemed to invoke the same qualities of a lengthy film. One really feels for these characters and especially the boy in the water. Originally, Copley wanted the child to have an extreme fear in his eyes, but decided upon giving him an expression of bravery. This is one of the elements that I really enjoyed, because often artist’s will go to the extreme to make their work provocative and memorable. Copley was able to give us an exceedingly frightening painting, but included facial articulation that gave the audience hope.
In our current society, traditionalism has become a scarce and often hated element, with effective reasoning. Copley’s, “Watson and the Shark”, is a productive collaboration for its time period that takes a traditional outline but is infused with many aspects of consummate progression. Although deserving of acclaim, modern art at times is difficult for viewers to understand what the artist is attempting to convey. I believe that Copley’s historic and universal piece is a statement that utilizes clear traditional roots, but concurrently displays a message of liberal thinking. At the time period, which was conservative, it would have been ineffective to present ideas that were so forward, due to the fact that the audience would be indefinitely deterred. Copley does a great job of disguising his piece as conventional, while at the same time employing highly romantic and progressive elements.