1894
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Young Woman Climbing a Step is a 1894 chalk by French 19th Century, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a woman in a long dress climbing a single step. Her back is to us, and she’s raising one arm like she’s balancing or reaching. The paper has a blue tint, and the drawing is loose, with quick lines that leave some areas sketchy. The artist used black and white chalk on top of the blue paper, which makes the figure stand out. The edges of her dress are drawn with confident strokes, but her face is barely there—just a few lines. If you like this style, check out Realism for more drawings that focus on everyday moments.
This sculptor liked to keep sharp tools in the studio and blunt ones in his pocket—his niece recalled finding him absentmindedly whittling a stick while talking philosophy.
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