Light and Shadow: The Shadows of Dissipation Falling upon the Poor
1870
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1870
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two women on a city street at night. One stands tall in a fancy dress, holding a lantern that reads "God Save Free Trade." The other woman kneels, wrapped in a dark cloak, her face hidden. A small dog sits between them, looking down. The background has rough buildings and a faint sign that’s hard to read. The title hints at a contrast between wealth and poverty, with light and shadow playing a key role. The sketch uses loose lines and soft colors, giving it a quick, sketchy feel. If you like this style, check out gouache to see how artists use opaque watercolors.
