Elijah Casting off His Mantle 

This charcoal drawing by James Ward, a prominent English artist of the 19th century, depicts the biblical scene of Elijah being taken to heaven in a fiery chariot drawn by horses. The sketch captures a moment of dynamic movement, as the horses and chariot ascend into the clouds, leaving Elijah's mantle behind. Ward's use of loose, gestural lines and shading creates a sense of energy and the ephemeral nature of the event. The work is a study for a larger composition, showcasing the artist's creative process. The subject matter, the dramatic composition, and the use of charcoal make this drawing an example of Romantic-era art.