“Study of Ezekiel for Frieze of the Prophets,” crafted circa 1891 by the renowned artist John Singer Sargent, is a compelling charcoal sketch falling under the Realism art movement. This artwork, which exemplifies the genre of sketches and studies, measures 61 by 47.9 centimeters, reflecting the artist’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to preparatory work for larger compositions.
The artwork features a figure draped in voluminous, flowing garments, rendered with a restrained yet skilled hand. The use of charcoal allows for nuanced gradations of light and shadow, which Sargent employs to convey the texture and folds of the fabric. The figure’s posture is dynamic, with an arm partially elevated and bent at the elbow, suggesting a moment caught in mid-action or reflection. The face, though somewhat obscured by the garments, hints at a contemplative expression, fitting for the prophetic subject of Ezekiel. The overall composition strikes a balance between detail and simplicity, emphasizing form through confident, expressive strokes while maintaining an air of solemnity and reverence appropriate to its biblical inspiration.