The Draped Figure, Back View
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Draped Figure, Back View is a 1893 ink by James McNeill Whistler, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a person from behind, wearing a long, flowing dress with a high neckline. The artist used quick, rough lines to draw the folds of the fabric, making it look soft and loose. The background is mostly blank, so the figure stands out clearly. The sketch feels more like a quick study than a finished drawing. The loose lines and shading suggest the artist was focusing on movement and shape rather than details. This style was common in Impressionism and Realism. Next, look up lithography to see how this printing technique works.
