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Study of Hands

Wilhelm Leibl

1864

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Study of Hands is a 1864 by Wilhelm Leibl, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Wilhelm Leibl
When & what style?: 1864 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows two hands clasped together, fingers slightly spread. The drawing is loose and quick, with soft shading that makes the skin look warm and real. One hand wears a simple ring on the ring finger. The artist focused on small details like wrinkles and the way light hits the skin. This style fits with how artists studied everyday life up close. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how shading works in drawings like this.