La Victoire (Victory)
1865
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1865
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a bare-chested woman holding a small winged figure in one arm. Her hair is wild and tangled, and her body is drawn with quick, rough lines. The background is mostly empty, with just a few faint marks. The artist used a technique that lets ink spread freely, creating a grainy, sketchy look. This style was common for quick studies or practice. Check out etching to see how artists use acid and metal plates to make prints.