La lezione di violincello [The Violin Lesson]
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a dimly lit room with a man in a hat playing a violin while a child sits on a stool, watching closely. Behind them, a large painting hangs crookedly on the wall, showing a landscape with a shipwreck. The floor is uneven, and a small lamp sits on a table to the left. The artist used loose, sketchy lines to capture movement and light, making it feel quick and alive. The violin lesson looks casual, almost like a snapshot of daily life. Next, check out etching to see how this technique creates soft, layered textures.