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Study for a Lunette

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Study for a Lunette 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 a woman lying down, her head resting on one hand. She’s wrapped in a long, flowing cloth that covers her body and spills over the edge of a curved surface. Behind her, rough lines suggest a rocky or textured background, maybe a wall or cave. The artist used quick, loose strokes—no fine details, just rough shapes and shading. The paper is tan, and the graphite lines vary in darkness, giving it a sketchy, unfinished feel. If you like this style, check out Realism next.