Leaves 1855

"Leaves" is a graphite drawing on paper by American artist William Trost Richards, created in 1855 during his travels in Florence, Italy. The drawing depicts a close-up view of a single leaf, rendered with meticulous detail and subtle tonal variations. The delicate veins and textured surface of the leaf are captured with precision, highlighting Richards's keen observation of nature. This small-scale work is representative of Richards's interest in botanical studies and his mastery of draftsmanship. The drawing is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.