Preparations for the Lying in State of Edward VII
1910
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1910
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch is packed with people inside a grand, old building. The ceiling has big arches, and light streams through tall windows. Workers are moving a heavy wooden box—likely a coffin—with ropes and pulleys. Crowds of people watch from the sides, some standing, some climbing stairs. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show the rush and chaos. The date on the paper says 1910, and the title hints this is about a king’s funeral. The artist scribbled notes in the corner, like a quick sketch for a bigger project. Want to see more? Check out cross-hatching to learn how artists build shadows with lines.
