Sketches of Various Objects, Including Anchor
n.d.
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, over graphite, on cream wove paper, tipped on cream wove paper
Dimensions
15.3 × 19 cm (6 1/16 × 7 1/2 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85897
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints Drawings collection, *Sketches of Various Objects, Including* is a captivating example of an anonymous artist's exploratory hand. Rendered on cream wove measuring just 15.3 × 19 cm, this intimate sheet features loose studies of everyday forms, with a prominent anchor suggesting nautical themes or maritime symbolism. The unknown creator captured these motifs with graphite underdrawing, refined by pen and brown ink lines, and enriched with brush-applied brown wash for subtle shading and depth. This multi-layered technique—graphite for initial ske...