Studies of Hands

John Singer Sargent

1890

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

About this work

This sketch shows two hands holding a piece of fabric. One hand is wrapped in cloth, while the other holds it loosely. The lines are quick and rough, with some shading to show folds and texture. The artist focused on simple shapes and light shadows to suggest form. This style was common in studies where speed mattered more than detail. Look up Realism next to see how artists used everyday scenes like this.