Bohemien Encampment (Campement de bohemiens)
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two people sitting close together in a grassy field. One person leans back, resting on their hands, while the other sits upright, facing them. The lines are loose and quick, with lots of hatching—short parallel strokes—to show light and shadow. The artist used a technique that lets ink fill in the scratched lines, creating a grainy texture. This makes the scene feel rough and alive, like you’re seeing it through a quick sketchbook page. Try looking up etching to see how this method works.
