Charles Sprague Pearce

American, 1851 - 1914

Explore selected works

See all 90 works of art
This is a drawing of multiple sketched figures. The page is filled with lightly sketched outlines depicting human forms in various poses, some sitting, others standing. The lines are delicate, and the figures are rendered with minimal detail, primarily conveying posture and movement. Some areas of the drawing include overlapping arcs. In the bottom right corner, there are subtle hints of shading. The overall appearance suggests it is a preparatory sketch that could serve as the groundwork for a more detailed piece.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Studies for a Lunette [verso], 1890/1897, graphite and purple pencil on tan paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.13.b

Studies for a Lunette [verso]

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · graphite and purple pencil on tan paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.13.b

The image depicts several semi-circular shapes arranged vertically on a muted brown background. These abstract shapes contain faintly sketched figures and forms resembling human silhouettes seated and interacting. The soft lines and subtle color shading suggest movement and depth within the compositions, evoking scenes of gatherings or conversations.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Studies for a Lunette [recto], 1890/1897, colored pencils and charcoal on tan wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.13.a

Studies for a Lunette [recto]

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · colored pencils and charcoal on tan wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.13.a

The image shows a curved strip with abstract shapes and patterns drawn along it. There are circular forms with radial lines on the left and right ends, resembling sunbursts or star-like designs. In the center, there are two square shapes with spiraling lines inside. Between these elements are elongated leaf-like forms and wavy lines. The composition is sketched on a light brown background.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for a Border Design, 1890/1897, black conté crayon on tan wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.58

Study for a Border Design

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · black conté crayon on tan wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.58

The image shows swirling, looping lines forming an abstract pattern on the paper. The shapes resemble intricate tendrils or vine-like forms, intertwining and overlapping. Below the abstract design are printed numbers and fractions, giving the appearance of a vintage ticket or perforated card. The composition combines freeform abstract lines with structured numerical elements, creating a juxtaposition of organic and geometric elements.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for a Border Design, 1890/1897, graphite on trimmed book page of tan wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.54

Study for a Border Design

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · graphite on trimmed book page of tan wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.54

This is a drawing featuring preliminary sketches and studies for a series of artworks. The upper part of the sheet contains four semi-circular colored sketches with indistinct figures and forms in subdued earthy tones like greens, purples, oranges, and blues. Below are five pencil sketches with abstract forms within semi-circular shapes. The bottom section has larger, loosely sketched forms hinting at figures or objects in a conceptual stage. The artwork uses a pale or neutral backdrop.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Studies for Lunettes, 1890/1897, black conté crayon, blue, green, purple, red, yellow, orange, and white pencils, and graphite on tan laid paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.34

Studies for Lunettes

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · black conté crayon, blue, green, purple, red, yellow, orange, and white pencils, and graphite on tan laid paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.34

The image depicts pencil sketches of botanical elements, such as coniferous branches on the upper left and stylized floral patterns on the right. The color palette consists of soft graphite grays on a warm beige paper background. The conifer-like branches are sprawled naturally towards the top left, while the floral patterns are organized vertically on the right side.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for a Border Design with a Sketch of a Tree, 1890/1897, purple pencil and graphite on brown wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.62

Study for a Border Design with a Sketch of a Tree

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · purple pencil and graphite on brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.62

The image displays a symmetrical arrangement of elongated leaves on a brown stem, accompanied by clusters of round berries. The color palette includes soft greens, beiges, light browns, and subtle blush pinks against a beige background. The leaves are painted in a vertical orientation, emanating from the central stem, with the berries positioned adjacent to some leaves. A decorative wave pattern runs along the right side of the image, with a similar color scheme harmonizing with the main botanical motif.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for a Border Design, 1890/1897, gouache and graphite on brown wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.67

Study for a Border Design

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · gouache and graphite on brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.67

The image shows a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated angle, with a semi-circular layout resembling a hand fan. The horizon is high, with tall trees receding into the distance. The scene emphasizes vertical lines created by closely aligned tree trunks. Expressive brushstrokes define the trees, with dark strokes contrasting against lighter shading for the pathway. The color scheme is monochromatic, with shades of black and grey against a pale background. Foliage details are visible in the foreground, leading to denser tree coverage in the background.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for an Archway, 1890/1897, pen and brown ink with brown wash and graphite on tan laid paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.31

Study for an Archway

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · pen and brown ink with brown wash and graphite on tan laid paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.31

The image depicts a semi-circular scene that features a sketch or painted design with a view of rolling hills and trees. The design is observed perpendicularly to the flat surface. The landscape includes hills, trees, and a figure in flowing robes. The brushstrokes are varied using linear hatching and solid strokes for texture. The color palette is primarily brown with hints of dark grey or black.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study for an Archway, 1890/1897, pen and brown ink with brown wash and graphite on tan laid paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.30

Study for an Archway

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · pen and brown ink with brown wash and graphite on tan laid paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.30

The image is a pencil and watercolor sketch on paper depicting two figures. Both figures are depicted in full length. The person on the left is kneeling with their head slightly bowed, with obscured facial features by shadowing, wearing a long draped garment and a head covering. The figure on the right is standing with an extended arm, with indistinct facial features and wearing a flowing garment. The background is a plain, natural-toned paper.
Charles Sprague Pearce, Study of a Figure from Behind [recto], 1890/1897, graphite heightened with white on tan wove paper, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, 1995.24.9.a

Study of a Figure from Behind [recto]

Charles Sprague Pearce · 1890/1897 · graphite heightened with white on tan wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.24.9.a