Who painted Study of a Chair Leg?

Study of a Chair Leg was painted by David Wilkie in 1813.

Where can I see Study of a Chair Leg?

Study of a Chair Leg is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study of a Chair Leg?

Study of a Chair Leg is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Study of a Chair Leg?

Museum-quality prints of Study of a Chair Leg are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of a Chair Leg

David Wilkie , 1813

Study of a Chair Leg is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist David Wilkie. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Study of a Chair Leg is a drawing executed in 1813 by Sir David Wilkie. Rendered on wove paper, the work measures the form of a single chair leg using black chalk, with selective areas heightened by white chalk to suggest volume and light.

Technique & Style

Wilkie employed a combination of dense black chalk strokes and delicate white highlights, a method that emphasizes the three‑dimensional quality of the wooden leg. The contrast between the dark underdrawing and the luminous accents creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect typical of early‑19th‑century draftsmanship.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from Wilkie’s early career, produced shortly after his return from Italy. It entered the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland in the mid‑20th century, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of his preparatory studies.