Study for "Dogma of the Redemption: Frieze of Angels" [verso]

John Singer Sargent

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a full-body sketch of a person standing upright. The individual is holding a tall ladder in both hands, with their arms bent at the elbows. The facial features are simple and somewhat expressionless, framed by short hair or possibly a simple head covering. The clothing appears to be a long, draped garment that covers the body from head to foot, with layered fabric that folds around the figure. No jewelry is visible, and no additional objects are held by the person other than the ladder. The background is plain, with no distinct features. The paper has a somewhat aged appearance, with visible signs of tape at the edges and discoloration.