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Study of a Hand

Study of a Hand

Hiram Powers

1856

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Still Life

About this work

This sketch shows a single hand resting on a flat surface. The fingers are slightly curled, with the thumb tucked under. The drawing is in black and white, using soft shading to show the shape and texture of the skin. The artist used a technique called scumbling to build up the shadows and highlights. This means they applied the charcoal in quick, choppy strokes to create a rough, textured look. Look up scumbling to see how artists use it to add depth to their work.

Study of a Hand

Study of a Hand

Horatio Greenough
Study of Hands

Study of Hands

Alphonse Legros
Studies of Hands [recto]

Studies of Hands [recto]

Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.
Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)

Augustin Théodule Ribot
Study of Hands

Study of Hands

Edwin Howland Blashfield
Study of a Right Hand [recto]

Study of a Right Hand [recto]

Benjamin Haydon
Study of a Hand [recto]

Study of a Hand [recto]

Benjamin Haydon
Study of Hands

Study of Hands

Wilhelm Leibl
Study of Hands (recto); Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)

Study of Hands (recto); Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)

Augustin Théodule Ribot
Study of Hands (recto)

Study of Hands (recto)

Augustin Théodule Ribot
Study of a hand

Study of a hand

Fratelli Alinari
Study of hands

Study of hands

Richard Cook
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