Artwork

The Drinker

The Drinker, by Charles Wesley Jarvis, chalk, 1824
The Drinker, by Charles Wesley Jarvis, chalk, 1824

The Drinker is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Charles Wesley Jarvis. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Drinker is a drawing created by Charles Wesley Jarvis around 1824. Executed in graphite, black chalk, and gray wash on laid paper, it exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing a moment with minimal detail.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a seated man with one leg crossed, holding a glass in his right hand. His relaxed posture and casual attire suggest a tranquil, everyday scene.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, using contrasting light and dark tones to convey texture and depth. The loose, rapid execution and soft shading create a sense of immediacy, indicating that the work is a study rather than a finished portrait.

Artist & collection

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