Three studies of draped female figures, one seated 

Here we see Frederic Leighton's study of draped female figures rendered in pencil. Three figures dominate, each swathed in classical drapery reminiscent of ancient statuary. The seated figure bears a striking resemblance to representations of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, often depicted holding an olive branch or scepter, symbols of prosperity and divine favor. Such iconography can be traced back to ancient Near Eastern goddesses of fertility and abundance, their symbols evolving across cultures, yet their essence—the promise of peace and plenty—persists. Consider the way draped figures recur throughout history, from Greek korai to Renaissance Madonnas; the emotional resonance lies in their ability to evoke dignity, solemnity, and the timelessness of human experience. These motifs are more than mere aesthetic choices; they engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring collective memories embedded in the cultural psyche. The gestures, postures, and drapery, repeated across centuries, transcend time and become potent symbols of cultural continuity.