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Study for an Archway

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Study for an Archway is a 1894 ink 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 painting is a study for an archway, rendered in pen, brown ink, and brown wash on tan laid paper. The artist has used graphite to add depth and texture to the scene. The archway is the central focus, with the surrounding environment subtly suggested. A notable detail is the use of cross-hatching to create shading and dimensionality in the archway. This technique adds a sense of realism to the piece, drawing the viewer's eye to the intricate details of the architecture. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this piece, explore the technique of cross-hatching.