Preliminary drawing for a satirical cartoon `Ja was ist denn das?'

Preliminary drawing for a satirical cartoon `Ja was ist denn das?'

Karl Arnold

1937

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a nude figure standing with arms raised, one leg bent forward. The lines are loose and quick, focusing on the body’s shapes and movement. Shadows are barely suggested—just a few strokes to show where light might fall. The drawing looks like a quick study, maybe for a bigger project. The artist didn’t worry about details, just the overall pose and energy. If you like this style, check out cross-hatching next—it’s a way to build shadows with layers of lines.

More by Karl Arnold

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