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Figure Studies

John Linnell

1837

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure Studies is a 1837 graphite by John Linnell, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Linnell
When & what style?: 1837 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three people drawn in quick, loose lines. One person stands with a cane, another walks away, and a third bends forward slightly. The paper is a warm brown, and the lines are light, almost like a quick doodle. The drawing looks like it was made fast, with just enough detail to show shapes and movement. The artist didn’t focus on colors or backgrounds—just the figures. If you like this style, look up Romanticism next.