Who painted Drawings of a man?

Drawings of a man was painted by Alfred William Rich in 1898.

Where can I see Drawings of a man?

Drawings of a man is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Drawings of a man

Drawings of a man is a drawing by Alfred William Rich. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Alfred William Rich produced the drawing titled *Drawings of a man* around 1898. Executed in pencil on paper, the work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection. It presents a single male figure rendered in a rapid, sketch‑like manner, emphasizing gesture over fine detail.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a standing man seen in profile, wearing a loose jacket, trousers with a belt, and a low‑set hat. One hand rests on his hip while the other holds a small object that may be a notebook or a tool, suggesting a moment of casual activity rather than a formal portrait.

Technique & Style

Rich employs light, gestural strokes that convey the figure’s overall shape with minimal line work. The drawing’s unfinished quality and swift execution give the impression of a study or on‑the‑spot observation, prioritising the capture of movement and posture over precise rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the piece entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings, where it remains accessible to the public. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting British drawing practices of the period, and it stands as a representative example of Rich’s sketching approach.