Fishermen

Fishermen

Adolph von Menzel

1850

gouache

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four men sitting around a low table outdoors. One man leans forward with a pipe in his mouth, while the others chat or rest their arms on the table. Their clothes are worn, and the background is a simple, warm brown. The artist used quick, loose strokes to show movement and texture—notice how the paper’s grain is visible under the wash. This sketch feels like a snapshot of a real moment. Next, check out the technique: gouache to see how artists use it for soft, layered effects.

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