Tahiti
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two women sitting close together under a tree. Their bodies are simple, loose lines—no fancy details. One woman holds a small bird in her hands while the other rests her head on her shoulder. The background is just a pale green wash, with a few quick strokes for grass and a birdcage nearby. The drawing feels quick and sketchy, like it was made fast. The artist used a technique called lithography, which lets you print images with smooth lines and soft shading. Next, check out technique: lithography to see how this print was made.