The Street Sweeper (Le Cantonnier)

About this work

This sketch shows a man in heavy winter clothes, sweeping a street. He wears a dark hat, a long coat with a fur collar, and thick gloves. In one hand, he holds a broom with a feather brush, and in the other, a long stick. The artist focused on the gritty, everyday life of city workers. The loose brushstrokes and rough edges make it feel quick and real, like a snapshot. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up layers of color.