Artwork
Study for a Border Design

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
Artist
Charles Sprague Pearce (1851–1914) was an American artist, born in Boston.




![Studies for a Lunette [recto], by Charles Sprague Pearce](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/charles-sprague-pearce--studies-for-a-lunette-recto--07c43c96c8ad1d74-w320.webp)









