Photography by Dwight Primiano
Study of a Right Hand
Hands present a unique challenge for artists. Next to faces, they are the most expressive and intricate body part. Hands have many small features, including knuckles, creases, and delicate fingers. Adding to the complexity, every person sees or feels hands every day. We can tell instantly whether an artist has captured them accurately. In your eyes, how well do these artists succeed? How do the artists use different poses to convey expression and meaning?
ArtistAlfred Cornelius Howland(1838-1909)
Dateca. 1860
MediumGraphite and chalk on paper
Dimensions16 1/2 x 21 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (41.9 x 55.2 x 3.5 cm)
Signedl.r.: A.C.H.
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2007.95
ClassificationDrawing
Provenance(Hirschl & Adler, New York, NY); John Driscoll, New York, NY; to (Babcock Galleries, New York, NY); purchased by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR, 2007
On ViewYes
This artwork's face covers about 49× the area of a tennis ball.Drawn to the same scale.





