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Artwork

Study of a Hand

Horatio Greenough , 1828

Study of a Hand, by Horatio Greenough, graphite, 1828
Study of a Hand, by Horatio Greenough, graphite, 1828

Study of a Hand is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Horatio Greenough. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rendered on light‑colored wove paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s interest in anatomical observation as a foundation for larger compositions.

Horatio Greenough’s 1828 graphite drawing, titled Study of a Hand, presents a close‑up of two hands joined together. The composition isolates the gesture, allowing the viewer to focus on the subtle interplay of fingers and the delicate modeling of skin. Rendered on light‑colored wove paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s interest in anatomical observation as a foundation for larger compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing captures a moment of physical connection, with the hands gently clasped and the fingertips slightly curled. By concentrating on the tactile qualities of the skin and the overlapping of the fingers, Greenough explores how human touch can be conveyed through line and tone, emphasizing the intimate, everyday gesture as a study in form rather than narrative.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the piece relies on soft, precise strokes to suggest volume and the subtle transitions of light across the flesh. The shading builds a modest three‑dimensional effect, while the clean lines define the contours of each digit. This approach reflects the 19th‑century academic practice of using detailed studies to refine an artist’s command of anatomy and chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828, the drawing belongs to Greenough’s early period, when he was still developing the skills that would later inform his monumental sculptures. The work has remained in private collections before being acquired by the museum, where it serves as a representative example of the artist’s preparatory studies and the broader educational methods of his era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Horatio Greenough

Artist

Horatio Greenough

Horatio Greenough (September 6, 1805 – December 18, 1852) was an American sculptor best known for his United States government commissions The Rescue (1837–1850) and George Washington (1840).

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.