Italian Sketchbook: Standing Woman, face (page 52)

This pencil sketch by Maurice Prendergast captures a standing woman's figure and facial features with the loose, gestural drawing style characteristic of his Italian Sketchbook studies. The work demonstrates Prendergast's interest in quickly recording human forms and expressions during his travels, employing economical line work to suggest form rather than detailed representation. As a preparatory sketch, the drawing reflects the artist's working method of gathering visual observations that would inform his more finished paintings and watercolors.