Sketch of an Angel and Putti

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Francis Augustus Lathrop (9–1909), an American artist influenced by the Aesthetic Movement and Pre-Rapite traditions, created this delicate *Sketch of an Angel and Putti* around 1895. in Europe and known for his intricate illustrations, murals, and decorative designs, Lathrop often drew on classical and Renaissance motifs, blending them with a refined, ornamental style suited to the Gilded Age's taste for beauty and symbolism. The sketch depicts an angel accompanied by playful putti—those cherubic childlike figures from Italian Renaissance art, evoking themes of divine innocence, love, and celestial harmony. Classified as a study of figures and housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, it exemplifies Lathrop's skill in capturing ethereal forms, likely as preparatory work for larger commissions in painting or stained glass, fields where he excelled. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, such sketches were vital in the late 19th century for artists refining compositions before final execution. This piece offers a glimpse into Lathrop's imaginative world, bridging American innovation with European artistic heritage.