Study of the captive virtues, for ‘The Castle of the Maidens’ 1989

Edwin Austin Abbey's "Study of the captive virtues, for ‘The Castle of the Maidens’" is a pastel drawing depicting a group of figures draped in flowing garments. The figures are likely characters in a scene from the artist's painting "The Castle of the Maidens," which is a grand depiction of a scene from Arthurian legend. The work displays Abbey's distinct style, which utilizes soft pastel lines and vibrant colors to portray the figures in a dramatic, yet graceful, manner. This study, created in 1889, gives insight into Abbey's preparatory process for his larger works, showcasing his meticulous approach to composition and character development.