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Studies of Figures and Heads

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

1891

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Studies of Figures and Heads is a 1891 ink by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Théophile Alexandre Steinlen
When & what style?: 1891 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows quick, loose sketches of people. Some faces are big, others small. A few wear hats or beards. One hand holds a pipe. The lines are rough but full of life. Notice how the artist used simple lines to show wrinkles and expressions. The paper is plain, but the sketches pop. Look up cross-hatching next to see how artists build shading with lines.

About the artist

Artist

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (November 10, 1859 – December 13, 1923), was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker. He was politically engaged and collaborated with the anarchist and socialist press.

See the richer artist page