View of the library of the late Mr John Forster

About this work

This drawing shows a long, crowded library with rows of tall bookshelves packed with books. The shelves stretch high, nearly touching a dark ceiling with fancy moldings. A few framed pictures hang on the walls, and a chandelier with candles dangles from the ceiling. The light is dim, casting shadows across the shelves. Notice how the artist uses tiny parallel lines to create shading—this is called cross-hatching. It gives the scene a textured, almost three-dimensional look. Look up cross-hatching next to see how artists build depth with just lines.