Study for an Archway

1890/1897

Charles Sprague Pearce

Associated Names
Charles Sprague Pearce

Artist, American, 1851 - 1914

This image features a semi-circular composition with a horizon placed roughly at the upper third section. Two figures clad in robes stand closest to us on the right side, one gesturing upwards, accompanied by some minimal vegetation nearby. Beyond them, several tall, slender trees rise vertically, their trunks emerging prominently against the horizontal lines that define the landscape. The horizon is composed of a slightly undulating line that indicates rolling hills or terrain in the distance. The style employs loose, sketch-like brushstrokes with a monochrome palette, relying heavily on shades of grey and black to create contrast and depth. The methodical lines of shading provide texture and suggest the presence of light and shadow across the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash and graphite on tan laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 8.2 × 14.8 cm (3 1/4 × 5 13/16 in.)
    mount: 30.2 × 46.1 cm (11 7/8 × 18 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.24.29

  • Series Title

    Painted Architectural Decoration for the Library of Congress


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, New Jersey

Associated Names

Watermarks

On mount: [...] ER VIDALON-LES-ANNONAY [...]

Wikidata ID

Q64538892

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