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The Bargue Method
What are Bargue Plates?
Bargue Plates are reference drawings that comprise the influential 19th century 'Cours de Dessin', also known as the Charles Bargue Drawing Course. They were studied by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Picasso.
The Bargue Drawing Method, also known as the Bargue Technique, is a disciplined drawing approach emphasizing meticulous replication of these plates to hone observation skills and precision.
In contemporary art academies and ateliers, the Bargue Method is a core part of training, teaching students to master form, light, and shadow, essential for advanced classical art.
In the case of Picasso, this early formal training was arguably the foundation for him to break the rules and arrive at his own style.
See Every Stroke as Charles Bargue Originally Intended
We offer full-color high-quality prints of Bargue Plates in their full Original Size - 18" x 24" (465dpi) format or a proportionally scaled Two Thirds Size - 12" x 16" (700dpi) format.
Alternatively, study a downloadable and printable full-color JPEG or PDF - 6.75" x 9" (300dpi).