Study for "Frieze of the Angels," Boston Public Library

"Study for 'Frieze of the Angels,' Boston Public Library" (1916) is a preparatory work by John Singer Sargent for a mural commission in the library's main reading room, which features a series of angelic figures symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge. This painting exemplifies Sargent's mastery of composition and color, as well as his ability to convey a sense of ethereal beauty, significantly influencing the perception of mural art in early 20th-century America.

"Study for 'Frieze of the Angels,' Boston Public Library" by John Singer Sargent is a preparatory work characterized by its dynamic composition and fluid brushwork, depicting a procession of ethereal figures that embody the theme of celestial beings. The painting employs a muted color palette dominated by soft blues and warm earth tones, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow that enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures within the architectural context of the library's frieze.