Study for a Lunette 1890 - 1897

"Study for a Lunette" is a watercolor and gouache painting by Charles Sprague Pearce created between 1890 and 1897. The work depicts a scene of two figures in a forest setting, framed within an archway. The figure on the left, seated on a rock, holds a lyre, suggesting a musical theme. The figure on the right floats in the air, clothed in a flowing white robe, as if ascending to heaven. Pearce's painting is known for its muted palette and the way it evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. This study is a preliminary sketch for a larger mural or decorative work, emphasizing Pearce’s interest in creating decorative works for domestic spaces.