Shriveled Leaves
1817
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1817
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two leaves, one large and one small, drawn in black ink with touches of black wash over graphite on wove paper. The large leaf is twisted and shriveled, with deep folds and creases. The smaller leaf is curled up and attached to a stem. The leaves are rendered in delicate detail, with subtle shading and texture that gives them a sense of depth and dimension. The overall effect is one of fragility and impermanence, as if the leaves are on the verge of crumbling away. The sketch is a beautiful example of the Romantic movement's emphasis on nature and the fleeting moments of beauty. If you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to look up the Romanticism movement.