Figure Studies including Bearded Face of an Old Man
1735
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1735
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a group of people drawn in quick, loose lines. On the left is a big, bearded face looking down, with wrinkles and wild hair. To the right, a woman sits holding a bundle, and a boy leans on a stick. In the background, two more figures stand by a riverbank with boats. The artist used shading to show light and shadow, making the faces and clothes pop. Notice how the lines are rough but full of movement—no smooth details here. Want to see more sketches like this? Look up etching to learn how artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
