Three Sketches of a Nun Wearing a Hat

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Three Sketches of a Nun Wearing a Hat** ca. 1881 Arnold William Brunner (American, 1857–1925) Step into the early creative world of Arnold William Brunner with *Three Sketches of a Nun Wearing a Hat*, a charming set of figure studies from around 1881. At just 24 years old, Brunner—later renowned as a prominent American architect—captured this trio of quick drawings, showcasing his budding talent for observing and rendering human form. The nun's distinctive habit and hat become focal points, rendered with attentive lines that highlight folds of fabric and poised posture, typical of preparatory sketches by emerging artists honing their skills. These works exemplify the intimate, exploratory nature of sketch studies in late 19th-century American art, where rapid drawings served as vital exercises in anatomy, drapery, and expression. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, their classification as "figures" underscores their focus on the human subject, blending everyday observation with a touch of solemnity in the religious attire. Donated to the Smithsonian American Art Museum by Mrs. Arnold W. Brunner, they offer a personal glimpse into the artist's life and process. Housed in the Smithsonian Collection, these sketches invite visitors to ponder Bruncer's transition from drawing board to architectural grandeur, reminding us how simple studies laid the foundation for enduring legacies. (198 words)