L'Ane et les deux voleurs
1862
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1862
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a donkey on rocky ground, kicking over a person lying face-down. Another person clings to the donkey’s legs, looking scared. The background has rough hills and a winding path, all drawn in quick, sketchy lines. The artist used a technique that lets them draw directly onto a stone slab, then press paper onto it—this is how the lines stay sharp and the shading looks smooth. It’s a way to make many copies fast. Next, look up lithography to see how it works.
