Etude de mains 

"Etude de mains" is a study of hands by French Symbolist painter Luc-Olivier Merson, known for his illustrative style. The drawing, rendered in charcoal on paper, captures the artist's keen attention to detail and his fascination with the human form. The various hand positions suggest a focus on anatomical accuracy and the expressive potential of gesture. This étude, a common practice among artists for anatomical and compositional training, demonstrates Merson's mastery of line and tone. It showcases the artist's dedication to representing the nuances of human anatomy, which ultimately enriched his figurative compositions.