Open full image Pin

Les Amateurs

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier

1870

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Les Amateurs is a 1870 ink by Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier
When & what style?: 1870 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four people crowded around a harp. Their faces are drawn quickly, with light pencil strokes that leave some lines rough. The harp’s strings are detailed, but the hands holding it look hurried. The paper is slightly yellowed, and the whole scene feels like a quick snapshot. The artist focused on capturing movement and everyday life, not polished perfection. The sketch’s loose lines suggest it might’ve been made fast, maybe even from memory. Next, check out Impressionism to see how artists used quick sketches like this to show real moments.