Artwork
Study of Hands (recto)

Study of Hands (recto) is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Augustin Théodule Ribot. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Study of Hands (recto) is a drawing by French artist Théodule Ribot, dating to circa 1804, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing focuses on the detailed, intimate portrayal of four hands, emphasizing their texture, wrinkles, knuckles, and shadows, suggesting a study in observation and realism.
Technique & Style
Executed in quick, loose lines on light paper with predominantly dark marks, the sketch exhibits a spontaneous and expressive approach, characteristic of preparatory works.
History & Provenance
Created around 1804, the work's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here, though its style aligns with late 18th-century European artistic practices.
Context
While the work's direct influence or connection to broader movements is not explicitly stated, its emphasis on close observation and expressive line work relates to the observational aspects found in Romantic-era art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Théodule-Augustin Ribot (French: ; August 8, 1823 – September 11, 1891) was a French realist painter and printmaker.








![Studies of Hands [recto], by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/perry-enoch-wood-jr--studies-of-hands-recto--594d36f72822a9f4-w320.webp)



![Study of a Right Hand [recto], by Benjamin Haydon](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/benjamin-haydon--study-of-a-right-hand-recto--88b544f65d3eb1a7-w320.webp)






![Study of a Hand [recto], by Benjamin Haydon](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/benjamin-haydon--study-of-a-hand-recto--a1c8376edca59300-w320.webp)