St. Thomas the Apostle, for the Church of St. Vaast in Arras 1832

This is a preparatory drawing by French artist Alexandre Denis Abel de Pujol for a larger artwork depicting St. Thomas the Apostle. The drawing, executed in pencil on paper, shows a detailed depiction of the figure's pose, drapery and facial features, suggesting the final composition for the painting. The artist's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the carefully rendered lines and shading. The drawing captures the traditional iconography of St. Thomas, a prominent figure in Christian faith known for his skeptical nature. This sketch, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers insight into the creative process of this renowned 19th-century artist.