Who painted Sketches for a Scroll?

Sketches for a Scroll was painted by Charles Sprague Pearce in 1894.

Where can I see Sketches for a Scroll?

Sketches for a Scroll is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sketches for a Scroll?

Sketches for a Scroll is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Sketches for a Scroll

Charles Sprague Pearce , 1894

Sketches for a Scroll is an ink 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

Created in 1894, Sketches for a Scroll is a drawing by American artist Charles Sprague Pearce. Executed on brown wove paper, the work combines pen and black ink, watercolor, and graphite. It presents a series of informal studies of scrolls and their supports, rendered in a spontaneous, sketch‑like manner.

Subject & Meaning

The composition consists of several scrolls in various states—some coiled, others unfurled—accompanied by minimal details such as tiny strings or clasps. The loose, handwritten quality of the lines suggests the artist’s preliminary exploration of form and function rather than a finished illustration.

Technique & Style

Pearce employed a light wash of transparent watercolor to give the paper a warm, muted tone, while the ink and graphite provide quick, wavy outlines. The combination of media creates a delicate balance between line and wash, emphasizing the immediacy of the sketches and the translucency typical of watercolor practice.

History & Provenance

The drawing was produced during the later phase of Pearce’s career, a period when he frequently experimented with mixed media studies. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio inventory, though subsequent ownership details remain undocumented.

Context

In the 1890s, American artists often produced preparatory drawings to investigate decorative motifs and historical objects. Pearce’s focus on scrolls aligns with a broader interest in antiquity and ornamental design that informed both fine art and applied arts of the era.