Untitled

Untitled

John Tenniel

1846

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows two odd-looking men in a room. The one on the left has a big head, a hat with a feather, and is waving his arms like he’s telling a story. The other man wears a sailor’s uniform with a tall hat and stands stiffly, holding something in his hand. The background looks like a stage or a ship’s deck, with a few rough lines for details. Notice how the artist used quick, sketchy lines to give the figures personality—almost like they’re characters in a joke. The loose style makes them feel lively and exaggerated. If you like this playful style, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.

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