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Drapery Study

Karel Vitezslav Masek

1888

charcoal

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Drapery Study is a 1888 charcoal by Karel Vitezslav Masek, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Karel Vitezslav Masek
When & what style?: 1888 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a charcoal drawing of folded fabric on a table. The artist used only black and white to show light, shadow, and texture. The folds look real enough to touch. Karel Vitezslav Masek made this in 1888 as a study. Artists often do these to practice how light hits different surfaces. This one shows off his skill with just one tool. Try looking up chiaroscuro next.