Date unknown

Beanstalk

English, 1819 - 1900

This drawing is a beautiful example of the fine lines and delicate tones that can be produced with pen and ink and graphite pencil. Translucent golden brown ink outlines the entire image as well as the veins of the leaves, as seen most clearly in the tendrils at right. Faint strokes of black ink and graphite pencil further define the contours, while the soft graphite tone and touches of opaque white watercolor enhance the gray ink washes, helping to modulate the elegant shape of the leaves.