Open full image Pin

Study of the Stem of a Fig Tree

Frederic, Lord Leighton

1850

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early 19th Century Floral

Dominant colour

Study of the Stem of a Fig Tree is a 1850 by Frederic, Lord Leighton, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Frederic, Lord Leighton
When & what style?: 1850
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a single fig tree branch with small leaves and buds. The lines are light and simple, almost like a quick note of how the plant grows. The paper is plain, with no background—just the branch and its details. The artist focused on the tiny shapes of the leaves and how they attach to the stem. It looks like they were studying how nature looks up close. Check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with lines.