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Studies for Lunettes

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Studies for Lunettes 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 sheet holds seven quick sketches of people in curved frames. The top row mixes colored pencil and charcoal, showing groups in bright yellow, orange, and green. The bottom row is mostly black and white, with rough lines and simple shapes—some figures lean toward each other, others sit alone. The artist used different tools for each sketch, switching between pencils and crayons. The top row feels loose and colorful, while the bottom stays sketchy and fast. If you like these quick, expressive studies, look up Realism next—it’s all about capturing life as it is.