Open full image Pin

Study of a Right Hand [recto]

Benjamin Haydon

1816

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Study of a Right Hand [recto] is a 1816 chalk by Benjamin Haydon, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Benjamin Haydon
When & what style?: 1816 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a right hand, palm facing outwards. The hand is drawn in charcoal, with the fingers curled slightly inward. The wrist and forearm are visible, but the rest of the arm is not shown. The hand is drawn in a realistic style, with attention to detail in the lines and contours of the fingers and wrist. The charcoal is used to create a range of tones, from dark shadows to light highlights. This drawing is a study of the human hand, likely done as a practice exercise by the artist. It showcases the artist's skill in capturing the subtleties of the human form. For more on the Romantic movement, look up Romanticism.

About the artist

Artist

Benjamin Haydon

Benjamin Robert Haydon (; 26 January 1786 – 22 June 1846) was a British painter who specialised in grand historical pictures, although he also painted a few contemporary subjects and portraits.

See the richer artist page