Artwork

Study for a Border Design

Study for a Border Design, by Charles Sprague Pearce, graphite, 1894
Study for a Border Design, by Charles Sprague Pearce, graphite, 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

Study for a Border Design is a 1894 drawing by Charles Sprague Pearce, executed in graphite and watercolor on tan wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a repeating pattern of abstract shapes containing faint human figures, emphasizing the overall design over individual details. The figures are partially obscured by bold lines and soft washes, suggesting a decorative border where humans are a motif.

Technique & Style

The work combines graphite and watercolor, featuring muted colors on a tan background with areas of blank space. The artist employs thin layers of paint and bold black lines to create a sketchy, experimental design.

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.