1782
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Sketch of a Swordsman Standing Over His Defeated Opponent [recto] is a 1782 graphite by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two men in a fight. One stands tall, holding a sword, while the other lies on the ground. The lines are quick and light, like hurried notes. The paper is plain, with no color—just shades of gray. The artist focused on movement and drama, not detail. You can almost feel the tension between the two figures. Next, check out Blake, William to see how his other works use similar energy.
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
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