Artwork

Sheet of Sketches

Sheet of Sketches, by Lovis Corinth, graphite, 1877
Sheet of Sketches, by Lovis Corinth, graphite, 1877

Sheet of Sketches is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:center: Lovis Corinth.; lower right: 26 June '77; in later hand, lower left verso: L 4439; on verso stamped: JOSE LUIS BUSANICHE / ... / COMISION NACIONAL DE MUSEOS ...
Markings
Marked:Verso, stamped in black ink: COMISION NACIONAL DE MUSEOS / Y MONUMENTOS HISTORICOS / JOSE LUIS BUSANICHE / SECRETARIO GENERALE

About this work

Overview

Sheet of Sketches is a graphite drawing on wove paper created by Lovis Corinth in 1877, featuring multiple quick figure sketches in simple poses.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts people in various everyday poses, standing and sitting, emphasizing posture and movement over detailed accuracy, reflecting the artist's focus on capturing the human form during his early training.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, light lines, the sketches exhibit a naturalistic approach with visible overlaps and fading, illustrating the exploratory and iterative process of the artist's learning.

History & Provenance

Created during Corinth's formative period, before his presidency of the Berlin Secession and his later shift to expressionism after a 1911 stroke, this work represents his initial artistic development in Paris and Munich.

Sketches: Figures and Animals
Sketches: Figures and Animals, Thomas Gainsborough

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lovis Corinth

Artist

Lovis Corinth

Lovis Corinth (21 July 1858 – 17 July 1925) was a German artist and writer whose mature work as a painter and printmaker realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Sheet of Sketches?

Sheet of Sketches was painted by Lovis Corinth in 1877.

Where can I see Sheet of Sketches?

Sheet of Sketches is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sheet of Sketches?

Sheet of Sketches is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Sheet of Sketches?

Museum-quality prints of Sheet of Sketches are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.