Angel Sealing the Servants of God (Study for the Anna, Margaret Sherman and Gertrude Van Dalfsen Memorial Window, Trinity Church, Buffalo, N.Y.) 1889

This 1889 charcoal drawing by American artist John La Farge depicts an angel sealing the servants of God. Part of a larger design for a stained glass window, this study focuses on the moment an angel seals the fate of the servants of God with a kiss, a gesture of both love and power. The three figures are drawn in detail, with their flowing garments and elegant poses characteristic of La Farge's artistic style. The soft shading and delicate lines create a sense of ethereal beauty, typical of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. The work is a testament to La Farge's skill in capturing the spiritual and symbolic power of religious imagery, and highlights his role as a pioneer of American art.