Days with Celebrities: Mr. Millais, R.A.

About this work

This sketch shows a busy man at the center—his face is huge, taking up most of the space—while smaller scenes swirl around him. Around him, people pose in different settings: one is being painted, another dines at a restaurant, a third sits in a club, and a few chat or ask for opinions. The lines are quick and sketchy, with some areas filled in with tight, crisscrossed strokes to add shading. The big face in the middle is labeled as "Mr. Millais," a well-known artist at the time. The tiny scenes mock how famous people were treated differently in daily life, from portrait sittings to social events. Want to see more of this style? Check out cross-hatching.