Sketch for Central Figure in the Ascension

Francis Augustus Lathrop's preparatory drawing depicts a robed female figure in flowing drapery, rendered with quick, gestural ink strokes that establish form and movement. The sketch demonstrates the artist's process: rapid linework captures the figure's upward trajectory and billowing garments before refinement. Lathrop, an American designer and painter active in the late nineteenth century, worked across decorative arts, stained glass, and fine art. This study exemplifies the classical tradition of figure drawing from the academic repertoire—the ascending or ascending saint motif common to religious art. The economical line work and anatomical confidence reflect professional studio practice of the period.