Sketches of Figures, Sleds at Bambarg n.d.

This drawing, Sketches of Figures, Sleds at Bambarg, was created by Samuel Prout, using graphite on paper. The composition is arranged as a collection of seemingly disparate sketches, each capturing a fleeting moment or observation. Prout's use of line is economical yet descriptive, delineating figures and forms with swift, assured strokes. The absence of colour places emphasis on the tonal variations achieved through the density of graphite, creating depth and shadow. This approach destabilizes traditional notions of a finished artwork, instead offering a glimpse into the artist's process of seeing and recording. The sketches, although fragmented, coalesce to form a rich visual record. Prout's choice to present these studies together challenges the viewer to find connections between them, thereby creating their own narrative. In this way, the drawing functions as an open-ended exploration of form and representation.