Untitled

1849

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a man in a long coat and boots, leaning forward with one arm raised. His jacket has a few buttons, and his pants are tucked into his shoes. The lines are loose and quick, like a hurried first try. The drawing uses lots of light shading to show folds in his clothes and the tilt of his body. It’s not finished—just a study, not a final piece. Check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.