Draped Figure, Reclining
1892
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1892
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a person lying down on a couch or bed, wrapped in a loose cloth. Their head rests on a pillow, and they’re turned slightly toward us. The background is simple—just a plain wall and a few quick brushstrokes for grass or curtains. The colors are soft, with warm yellows and pale greens. The drawing looks like it was made fast, with loose lines and smudges. It feels more like a quick study than a finished piece. The artist used a technique called *lithography*, which lets them layer colors in a sketchy way. Check out lithography to see how artists use it to mix drawing and printing.