Sketch of Two Angels

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Sketch of Two Angels** *Francis Augustus Lathrop (, 1849–1909), ca. 1895* Smithsonian American Art Museum Francis Augustus Lathrop, a versatile American artist active in the late 19th, created this delicate *Sketch of Two Angels* 1895. Born in Hawaii and trained in New York and Europe, Lathrop was renowned for his contributions to illustration, murals, and decorative arts, often blending realism with symbolic themes. This work, housed in the Smithsonian Art Museum's collection, two ethereal figures in a preparatory drawing, highlighting his mastery of fluid lines and graceful forms typical of fin-de-siècle American art. As a sketch focused on "figures," the piece likely served as a study for larger commissions, such as stained glass or ecclesiastical designs—mediums Lathrop frequently explored. Its simplicity underscores the artistic process: rapid yet precise gestures that convey movement and divinity, inviting viewers to appreciate the angel motif's enduring role in Western art, from Renaissance masters to Victorian symbolism. Currently under "Research in Progress," it offers a glimpse into an evolving story of American creativity. Part of the Smithsonian's rich holdings, this sketch reminds us how humble studies can illuminate an artist's vision, bridging everyday draftsmanship with spiritual grandeur. A true gem for those exploring late 19th-century draftsmanly finesse! (178 words)