What to Draw? A Turkey, of Course

By Jessica Pigza, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Rare Book Division
November 21, 2012
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Happy Thanksgiving to you! In honor of the holiday, here's a page from one of my favorite drawing manuals in the collection, 1913's What to Draw and How to Draw It by E. G. Lutz.

This turkey (along with his tiny companion, the fantail pigeon) is just one of dozens of possibilities — like owls, elephants, pelicans, pigs, castles, cats, and men and ladies — you'll find in these pages. Want to see the entire book? It's been digitized and you can view it here. It seems to hold real potential for distracting and entertaining houseguests of all ages this weekend, so do let me know if you end up sketching any masterpieces yourselves.