Sketchbook, The Dells, N° 127, page 119: Two Seated Figures

This graphite sketch by Maurice Prendergast captures two seated figures with the loose, gestural quality characteristic of his sketchbook studies from his time visiting The Dells. The work demonstrates Prendergast's interest in quickly recording human forms and compositions, employing economical line work to suggest posture and spatial relationships. The sketch exemplifies the artist's practice of using his sketchbooks as laboratories for exploring figure arrangement and movement, which would inform his more finished compositions.