Study of a robed figure, crying, for The Quest of the Holy Grail mural series at Boston Public Library 1978

This pencil sketch, titled "Study of a robed figure, crying," was created in 1978 by Edwin Austin Abbey as a study for his monumental mural series, "The Quest of the Holy Grail," for the Boston Public Library. Known for his historical and literary themes, Abbey's work often captures the drama and emotion of his subjects. The figure in this study, cloaked and weeping, suggests a sense of despair and isolation, hinting at the themes of loss and sacrifice that pervade the "Holy Grail" series. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and the expressive lines of the drawing foreshadow the grandeur and storytelling power of his murals.