Gertrude Climbed a Widowed Father's Knee
1846
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1846
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a man sitting on a chair, holding a small child who’s climbing onto his knee. The man’s other hand rests on his head, looking tired or thoughtful. Around them, faint outlines of furniture and a wall suggest a room, but the focus stays on their bodies and movement. The title hints this scene might be playful or tender, though the man’s pose feels heavy. The artist used fine lines and shading to show fabric folds and skin texture, giving it a soft but detailed look. Next, check out engraving to see how artists create depth with just lines.
