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Studies for a Lunette [verso]

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Studies for a Lunette [verso] is a 1894 graphite by Charles Sprague Pearce, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Charles Sprague Pearce
When & what style?: 1894 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows quick, loose drawings of people in different poses. Some are standing, some are sitting, and a few are in odd, stretched-out positions. The lines are light and shaky, with a few purple pencil marks added here and there. The paper is tan, and the whole thing looks like a practice sheet—more about testing ideas than finishing a picture. The artist seems to be working out how bodies move, especially hands and clothing. One figure’s arm is raised awkwardly, and another’s dress looks like it’s floating. The words "Family Study" are scribbled in the corner, hinting this might be about everyday people. Next, check out Pearce, Charles Sprague to see how he used sketches like this in his finished work.