Sketches: Seated Man with Head in Hands and Two Figures Bending Toward Others in Background (recto); Reclining Woman (verso) c. 1847 - 1875

This is a sketch on paper by the French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, made around 1847-1875. The sketch features two figures on either side of the paper. The upper sketch is of a seated man with his head in his hands. The lower sketch is of a reclining woman. It's notable for the use of expressive lines and shading to capture the figures' forms and poses. The sketch is a testament to Carpeaux's skill and the expressive power of drawing. This artwork shows the process of Carpeaux's artistic development and provides insight into his creative process. The sketch is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.