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An Upraised Arm

David, Sir Wilkie

1813

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

An Upraised Arm is a 1813 chalk by David, Sir Wilkie, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: David, Sir Wilkie
When & what style?: 1813 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows just one arm raised, hand open as if reaching for something. The skin is drawn in quick, loose lines, with red chalk marking the veins and shadows. The paper is light, almost like the artist worked fast—no heavy details, just the basic shape and movement. The red chalk stands out against the pale background, making the veins pop. It looks like a quick study, maybe to practice how light hits skin. Check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark like this.