The image shows flowing, curved lines and shapes creating an abstract composition. It features a chaotic cluster of human figures resembling cherubs or putti, some of which seem to fly or dance. These figures intersect with handwritten text, blending the appearance of an ink drawing with a handwritten letter. The overall effect is a whimsical, dreamlike scene where the figures appear engaged in playful activities.
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A Poem without Words

Henry Mosler (American, 1841 - 1920)

1886

Medium
pen and black ink, wash, and graphite on wove paper
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
sheet: 10.16 × 16.51 cm (4 × 6 1/2 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
Corcoran Collection (Joseph F. McCrindle Collection)
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art