Who painted Study for a Border Design?

Study for a Border Design was painted by Charles Sprague Pearce in 1894.

Where can I see Study for a Border Design?

Study for a Border Design is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study for a Border Design?

Study for a Border Design is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Study for a Border Design

Charles Sprague Pearce , 1894

Study for a Border Design 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

Charles Sprague Pearce’s 1894 work, Study for a Border Design, is a preparatory drawing executed on tan wove paper. The piece combines graphite, watercolor, and gold paint, reflecting the artist’s exploration of decorative motifs intended for a larger composition.

Technique & Style

The drawing integrates fine graphite line work with translucent watercolor washes, while selective applications of gold paint accentuate the intended border pattern. This mixed-media approach demonstrates Pearce’s skill in balancing line, color, and metallic sheen within a compact study.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the study served as a design model for a subsequent decorative project, though the final work remains unidentified. The drawing has been retained in the artist’s estate records and is now part of a museum collection documenting Pearce’s preparatory processes.