Studies of Men Running

William Etty

1818

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Nude

About this work

This sketch shows four men running in quick, loose lines. Their bodies are simple shapes—just enough to show motion. One man on the right stretches his arms wide, while another at the bottom pulls something behind him. The drawing feels fast and rough, like the artist was practicing movement. The paper is plain, and the lines stay light, almost like a quick sketch. Check out Romanticism next to see how artists used emotion and speed in their work.