NMMC
Temporary Exhibitions of

The National Museum of the Marine Corps


Heroic Deed: Study for “John MacKenzie Saving USS Remlik”

Reproduction Available - RequestAPrint
Heroic Deed: Study for “John MacKenzie Saving USS Remlik”
James Daugherty
(1887-1974)
Acquisition Number: 2015-49-1
Medium: Mixed Media on Paper
Status: Reproduction Available - Click Here

Preliminary drawings for his painting of John MacKenzie’s heroic action to save USS Remlik show how the artist considered different options for his final painting. This one looks much like the finished painting, except for the addition of more details to the ship. The strong angle of the perspective helps convey the challenge MacKenzie was facing in securing the depth charge. In the other study, MacKenzie is shown without shirt and shoes, perhaps to give the figure a more classically heroic air. In the end, the more conventional scene prevailed. Courtesy of Navy Art Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command