Two Studies of a Hand
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1914-38-100
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Two Studies of a Hand by Francis Augustus Lath (American, 1849–1909), created around 1895, offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's mastery of human anatomy. As preparatory sketches classified under figures, these works capture the subtle contours and gestures of a hand—essential exercises for any artist honing their craft. Lathrop, a prominent figure in late 19th-century American, was renowned for decorative murals, stained glass, and illustrations, often blending European influences with a precise, naturalistic style. In the Gilded Age context, such studies underscored the rigorous ac...