Watson and the Shark
John Singleton Copley · 1778
Why it's great
A young man falls into Havana harbor while swimming and is attacked by a shark, and sailors desperately try to rescue him. Brook Watson, the real victim, lost a leg but later became Lord Mayor of London. Copley painted the tense moment with dramatic action. It's a thrilling, true-life adventure.
Where to see it
📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.
Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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John Singleton Copley was born in Boston and became America's finest portrait painter before the Revolution. He painted merchants and patriots, like Paul Revere. In 1774 he moved to England as war loomed, and spent the rest of his life in London. He died there in 1815.
