Artwork

Partial Sketch of a Boy in Knickers

Partial Sketch of a Boy in Knickers, by American 19th Century, graphite, 1873
Partial Sketch of a Boy in Knickers, by American 19th Century, graphite, 1873

Partial Sketch of a Boy in Knickers is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This drawing is a graphite sketch on wove paper, depicting a boy in casual attire.

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a graphite sketch on wove paper, depicting a boy in casual attire. The work is characterized by loose, expressive lines and an unfinished quality.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch shows a boy standing in profile, wearing loose-fitting pants and a shirt, with his arms relaxed by his sides. The artist's focus appears to be on capturing the subject's pose and form.

Technique & Style

The drawing features quick, rough graphite lines, with darker shading on areas that would be highlighted by light. The style is suggestive of a preliminary study or practice piece, rather than a finished work.

Context

The loose, expressive style of this drawing is associated with artistic practices that prioritize capturing movement and form. Such sketches were often used as preparatory studies for more finished paintings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of American 19th Century

Artist

American 19th Century

This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.