Untitled

1950

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows two rows of stick-figure people in long robes, standing under tall, pointed canopies. Some hold staffs or books, others gesture as if speaking. The background is plain, but the figures’ stiff outlines and quick lines make them look like they’re in motion. The drawing uses only pencil, with no shading—just lines stacked to create shapes. One person on the right holds a bunch of grapes, while another seems to be adjusting their robe. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines like this.