A Field Mouse, from Above
1775
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This is a close-up drawing of a mouse, seen from above. Its fur is a mix of brown and gray, with a darker tail. The mouse’s front paws are stretched out, almost like it’s walking. The background is plain and light-colored, so the mouse stands out clearly. The artist focused on small details, like the texture of the fur and the shape of the paws. This kind of careful drawing was common in science studies of animals back then. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists built up colors layer by layer.