Study of Angels

Francis Augustus Lathrop's pen sketches explore the figure of the angel in various poses and attitudes. The artist examines drapery, wing structure, and facial expression across multiple compositional studies on a single sheet—a common working method in late-nineteenth-century illustration. Lathrop, an accomplished designer and illustrator, used such studies to develop the visual vocabulary needed for commercial and decorative work. The economical line work and classical proportions reflect training rooted in academic tradition, updated for the emerging visual demands of American print media.