The Little Forge
1875
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1875
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows three people hunched over a small fire in a dim room. The figures are drawn in quick, rough lines, with little detail in their faces. The background is mostly shadows and faint shapes, like a curtain or wall. The artist used loose, scratchy marks to show movement and light. This style makes the scene feel alive but also a little mysterious. Next, check out drypoint to see how this technique works.