Sketch of William E. Henley

About this work

This sketch shows a man with a thick beard and wavy hair, sitting with his hands resting on his chest. His clothes are drawn in loose, quick lines, and the whole image looks like it was made fast—almost like a quick note. The background is plain, letting the face and hands stand out. The artist used a technique called lithography, where the drawing is made on a smooth stone before being printed. This sketch was done in 1896 by Whistler, who often worked fast to capture a person’s look. Next, check out lithography to see how this printing method works.