Who painted Figure Study?

Figure Study was painted by Charles Sprague Pearce in 1894.

Where can I see Figure Study?

Figure Study is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Figure Study?

Figure Study is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Figure Study

Charles Sprague Pearce , 1894

Figure Study is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles Sprague Pearce. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Figure Study is a graphite drawing on laid paper executed by American artist Charles Sprague Pearce in 1894. The work presents a single figure rendered in monochrome, emphasizing line and form rather than color. As a study, it reflects Pearce’s interest in anatomy and the fundamentals of drawing, serving as a preparatory piece for larger compositions.

Technique & Style

The drawing employs graphite, a medium prized for its capacity to produce a range of tonal values through varied pressure and shading. Laid paper, with its subtle ribbed texture, contributes to the work’s tactile quality, allowing the artist to manipulate line weight and subtle gradations. Pearce’s handling demonstrates a restrained, academic approach typical of late‑19th‑century figure studies.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, Figure Study belongs to the period when Pearce was establishing his reputation in the United States after training in Europe. The drawing has remained in private collections, documented in early 20th‑century exhibition catalogs, and has occasionally appeared in scholarly surveys of Pearce’s draftsmanship.