Artwork
Study of a hand

Study of a hand is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Fratelli Alinari. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1854 photograph by Fratelli Alinari presents a detailed study of a human hand.
Subject & Meaning
The image is a close-up view of a hand with curled fingers and a thumb on top, showcasing the texture of the skin through the use of shadows and lines.
Technique & Style
Originally sepia-toned, the photograph relies on the interplay of light and shadow to create a realistic representation of the hand's anatomy.
History & Provenance
The photograph is an example of early photographic techniques, with the image now held in a collection that includes other significant photographs.
Artist & collection
Artist
Fratelli Alinari made early photographs in the 1850s, staging classical figures and nude studies in their studio.









![Study of a Right Hand [recto], by Benjamin Haydon](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/benjamin-haydon--study-of-a-right-hand-recto--88b544f65d3eb1a7-w320.webp)
![Study of a Hand [recto], by Benjamin Haydon](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/benjamin-haydon--study-of-a-hand-recto--a1c8376edca59300-w320.webp)



![Study of an Arm [verso], by Guillaume Lethière](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/guillaume-lethiere--study-of-an-arm-verso--bba4291c1ba000f2-w320.webp)



![Hand Studies [verso], by Allan Ramsay](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/allan-ramsay--hand-studies-verso--f6c634d33f170fe2-w320.webp)
