A Costume Design Sketch for a Hat and Three Sketches of Children's Toys 1785 - 1790

This anonymous sketch from the late 18th century features a costume design for a hat and three drawings of children’s toys. The hat is drawn in a loose, gestural style and appears to be made of a delicate material. The artist has used subtle washes of watercolor to add dimension to the design. The playful sketches of children's toys capture the lightheartedness of childhood and suggest the artist's personal interest in the subject. This casual approach to drawing further adds to the charm of the work. The drawings are located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.