07/29/2023
Every week is at the DIA with this piece in the permanent collection by John Singleton Copley 🦈
"Watson and the Shark," today's , captures a harrowing rescue at sea that showcases bravery and human triumph over nature's might. Painted in 1782, the work illustrates the real-life story of Brook Watson — a ship boy who was sent to sea in 1749 at the age of 14. While his ship was docked, he decided to go for a swim in the shark-infested waters of Havana Harbor in Cuba. The painting depicts the moment when the shark is coming by for his third and possibly final attempt to make a meal out of Watson. The men in the boat were successful in harpooning the shark and heroically rescued the swimmer!
This painting is currently on view in our American galleries. The DIA is open until 9 p.m. today! Visit us to see this epic work of art in person. ✨
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🖼 John Singleton Copley, Watson and the Shark, 1782, oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts
