1886
graphite
paperboard
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Japanese Artist at Work is a 1886 graphite by Adolph von Menzel, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows three people working in a dimly lit room. One woman sits at a table, bending over a piece of fabric or paper. Another holds a plant while smiling at the viewer. The third person, in the back, looks out a window. The walls are lined with framed art, and a large plant fills the foreground. The artist focused on everyday life, capturing simple moments with loose, sketchy lines. The lighting is soft, and shadows blend into the background. Next, check out the technique: sfumato to see how artists create smooth transitions.
Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings.
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