Artwork

Right Hand Holding Short Rod

Right Hand Holding Short Rod, by Horatio Greenough, ink, 1847
Right Hand Holding Short Rod, by Horatio Greenough, ink, 1847

Right Hand Holding Short Rod is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Horatio Greenough. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in pen and brown ink: H.G. / Florence Dec. 47.; lower right in graphite: Horatio Greenough, Sculptor

About this work

Overview

Right Hand Holding Short Rod is a drawing created by Horatio Greenough in 1847. Executed in pen and brown ink over graphite on wove paper, it depicts a detailed study of a hand grasping a short rod.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a hand holding a straight rod, with fingers wrapped around it and thumb applying pressure from the side. The relaxed yet precise pose suggests a study for a larger work, potentially a sculpture.

Technique & Style

Tight, crisscrossed lines are used to shade the hand and rod, creating a three-dimensional effect through cross-hatching. This technique builds shadows and form using layered lines.

History & Provenance

The drawing is dated 'Florence Dec. 47', indicating it was created while Greenough was traveling in Florence in December 1847.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Horatio Greenough

Artist

Horatio Greenough

American, Boston, Massachusetts 1805–1852 Somerville, Massachusettes

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Right Hand Holding Short Rod?

Right Hand Holding Short Rod was painted by Horatio Greenough in 1847.

Where can I see Right Hand Holding Short Rod?

Right Hand Holding Short Rod is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Right Hand Holding Short Rod?

Right Hand Holding Short Rod is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Right Hand Holding Short Rod?

Museum-quality prints of Right Hand Holding Short Rod are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.