Study of Ezekiel for ‘Frieze of Prophets’ 1890 - 1892

Here we have John Singer Sargent's sketch of Ezekiel, a preparatory drawing for his 'Frieze of Prophets'. The figure, shrouded in heavy drapery, embodies the gravity and weight of prophetic vision. The voluminous robes, obscuring the body, speak to a concealment, a hiding of the self behind the divine message. The act of veiling and concealing has roots stretching back to ancient rituals. Think of the Vestal Virgins, or even the veiled Isis. In this light, Ezekiel's shrouded form gains new meaning, and connects with the tradition of sacred figures set apart, their faces hidden to emphasize the divine presence. Consider the gesture of the hand, clutching the cloak. There's a tension here, a visible struggle to contain the force of the message. This struggle mirrors our own internal conflicts, the wrestling with ideas that challenge our sense of self. The image becomes a mirror, reflecting our anxieties and our yearning for understanding. The figure represents an emotional and psychological journey, a search for meaning that resonates across time.