Artwork
Genius
Genius is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist William Holbrook Beard. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper left verso in black ink: Genius
About this work
Overview
Genius is a 1865 drawing by American artist William Holbrook Beard, created with pen and black ink over graphite on paperboard.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a contemplative bearded man in a cap, his face illuminated from the side with sharp shadows. The subject's rough attire and weary expression convey a sense of quiet dignity, characteristic of Beard's portrayals of working-class individuals.
Technique & Style
Beard employed cross-hatching, using dense networks of fine lines to achieve a range of tonal values and create depth in the image.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Holbrook Beard (April 13, 1824 – February 20, 1900) was an American painter who is known best for his satirical paintings of beasts performing human-like activities.
