Study of a Seated Man Wearing a Helmet

George Richmond

1827

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Nude

About this work

This sketch shows a man sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him. He’s wearing a helmet, and his arms rest on his knees. The drawing is loose and quick, with lots of shading to show muscle and movement. The artist used ink and pencil to capture the figure’s pose and posture in a rough, expressive way. This kind of sketch was often used to practice anatomy and movement. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build up shadows with lines.