Who painted Study for an Archway?

Study for an Archway was painted by Charles Sprague Pearce in 1894.

Where can I see Study for an Archway?

Study for an Archway is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study for an Archway?

Study for an Archway is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Study for an Archway

Charles Sprague Pearce , 1894

Study for an Archway 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

Charles Sprague Pearce’s 1894 drawing titled Study for an Archway is executed on tan laid paper. The work combines pen and brown ink, a brown wash, and graphite, creating a monochromatic study that explores architectural form through line and shading.

Technique & Style

Pearce employs a layered approach, beginning with precise pen work to define the arch’s contour, then adding a brown wash to suggest depth and volume. Graphite accents reinforce structural details, while the brown ink unifies the composition, reflecting the artist’s interest in draftsmanship and tonal variation.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the drawing was part of Pearce’s preparatory studies for larger architectural compositions. It remains documented as an example of his systematic exploration of space, though specific ownership records beyond its initial creation are not widely published.