A Femme Fatale, Male Face and Man from Behind (recto); An Angel Descending Stairs (verso) 1836 - 1844

Theodor Richard Edward von Holst’s "A Femme Fatale, Male Face and Man from Behind (recto); An Angel Descending Stairs (verso)" is a captivating pencil drawing from the 19th century. This work, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the artist's talent for capturing both the beauty and mystery of human figures. The recto side depicts a figure in a flowing gown, possibly a femme fatale, her gaze intense and intriguing, while the verso side showcases a sketch of an angel descending stairs, adding a spiritual dimension to the artwork. The juxtaposition of these two subjects, along with the artist's masterful use of line, creates a compelling narrative, leaving viewers to ponder the artist's intent and the interplay between the earthly and the divine.