Study for ‘Frieze of Prophets’ 1890 - 1892

This drawing by John Singer Sargent depicts a figure draped in voluminous fabric, a study for his ‘Frieze of Prophets’. The heavy drapery conceals the form, evoking mystery and solemnity, and finds its roots in ancient Roman and Hellenistic sculpture, where togas signified status and authority. Think of the veiled figures in classical friezes or even Egyptian sarcophagi. This motif reappears throughout art history, cloaking Madonnas and mourning figures alike. It's fascinating how a simple piece of cloth can carry such a profound emotional weight. The act of veiling hints at hidden knowledge. It creates a psychological tension, a desire to uncover the unseen, suggesting a deeper, perhaps spiritual, truth. The image taps into our collective memory, evoking themes of revelation and concealment, resonating with the cyclical nature of history itself.