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Study of Figures in a Lunette

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Study of Figures in 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 two nude figures in a half-circle shape, like a moon slice. One figure leans back, arms stretched out, while the other sits upright, holding something in their lap. The lines are loose and quick, with no hard details—just the basic shapes of bodies and a faint ground line at the bottom. The paper is tan, and the graphite looks soft, almost like a quick study. It feels more like a practice drawing than a finished piece. If you like this style, check out Realism next—it focuses on everyday scenes and figures just like this.