Studies for a Lunette

Charles Sprague Pearce

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a series of small compositions and figures. The full drawing consists of multiple rough sketches on a light brown paper. At the top, there are three separate semi-circular sketches depicting simplified figures interacting with each other. Below these, there is another small arch-shaped sketch showing two figures. On the lower right corner, a distinct sketch shows a single figure in a dress in a dynamic pose with arms extended and holding up the hem of the dress. The use of soft pencil lines with varying pressure gives the impression of an unfinished work, possibly studies for larger compositions. The paper has been left mostly untouched, with smudges suggesting movement while drawing.