Watson and the Shark

1774–1815 · Virkested

London

second half of the 1770s

A turn to history painting

In London Copley follows the fashion set by West and begins to paint historical pieces as well as portraits; together they create a new kind of history painting with modern subjects, chiefly the deaths of heroes, and scrupulous attention to contemporary detail. His first such work, “Watson and the Shark”, is based on the story of Brook Watson, who as a boy of fourteen was attacked by a shark while swimming in Havana harbour.

1776

Elected an associate of the Royal Academy

Copley is elected an associate member of the Royal Academy of Arts. From this year until 1815 he sends forty-three paintings to its exhibitions.

1779

Becomes an Academician of the Royal Academy

Copley is elected a full Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, three years after becoming an associate. Other accounts place his election to full membership in 1783.