Artwork
The Earth Stopper

The Earth Stopper is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist James Ward. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Earth Stopper is a drawing created by James Ward in 1794, executed in black chalk with white highlights on brown laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a man with a serious expression, wearing a hat and jacket, with his arms crossed. His direct gaze and solemn demeanor convey a sense of intensity.
Technique & Style
The use of black chalk and white highlights on brown paper creates a sense of depth and dimensionality. The detailed lines and shading contribute to a rich, nuanced representation of the subject.
Context
The work is associated with the Romanticism movement, which valued emotion and individualism. The drawing's focus on a single figure and its expressive qualities are characteristic of this artistic trend.
Artist & collection


















![Man Holding a Book [recto], by Thomas Sully](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/thomas-sully--man-holding-a-book-recto--a5837a72902594d4-w320.webp)
