Artwork
Sketch of a Hand (verso)
Sketch of a Hand (verso) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Pierre Lenfant. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1946.447.b
- Credit line
- Gift of Victor Spark, New York
About this work
Overview
Sketch of a Hand (verso) is an 18th-century drawing attributed to Pierre Lenfant, a French painter and instructor at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Dated to around 1704, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the sketch appears to be rudimentary drawings of hands or simple geometric shapes, executed in faint pencil marks. These quick studies likely served as practice exercises for capturing forms, common among artists of the period.
Technique & Style
Characterized by light, hasty pencil sketches, the drawing showcases Lenfant's preliminary drafting technique. Additional handwritten notes in the corners suggest the paper may have been used for multiple purposes or ideas.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1704 by Pierre Lenfant, the sketch is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings. Notably, Lenfant was the father of Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the designer of Washington, D.C.'s urban plan.
Context
As a product of the 18th century, this sketch reflects the artistic training methods of the time, where repetitive drawing from life or imagination was crucial for development. Lenfant's affiliation with the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture further contextualizes the sketch within formal artistic education.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre L'Enfant (August 26, 1704 – June 23, 1787) was an 18th-century French artist who was known for his battle scene paintings in the court of Louis XV.
