Sketch of a Statue: Guardian Angel 1845 - 1855

John Gibson's "Sketch of a Statue: Guardian Angel," a graphite drawing created between 1845 and 1855, depicts a guardian angel, its wings partially visible, protectively holding a young child. The drawing, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases Gibson's meticulous attention to detail and mastery of line, contributing to the ethereal and poignant nature of the subject. This preparatory sketch highlights the artist's process of developing the final sculpture, showcasing the delicate balance between anatomical precision and emotional expression.