a. Hand of Saint Remi; b. Hand of Saint Remi; c. Drapery Study for Acolyte Holding Book c. 19th century

This 19th-century study by Isidore Pils depicts a series of anatomical drawings. These studies of a hand and draped fabric are likely preliminary sketches for a larger work. Pils, a French artist known for his historical and religious paintings, would have used these anatomical studies to perfect the depiction of the human form in his final pieces. The study likely captures the artist's interest in the intricacies of human anatomy and drapery, which would have been crucial for his large-scale works. This study demonstrates the importance of preliminary sketches in the artistic process, highlighting the dedication to detail that was a hallmark of 19th-century academic art.