Drapery Study for Soldier (middle register; study for wall paintings in the Chapel of Saint Remi, Sainte-Clotilde, Paris, 1858) 1830 - 1875

This charcoal and white chalk drawing, "Drapery Study for Soldier," is a preparatory study for a wall painting in the Chapel of Saint Remi in Sainte-Clotilde, Paris. Created by Isidore Pils, the drawing showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail, focusing on the folds and textures of drapery to capture a sense of realism. The piece reflects the meticulous approach of 19th-century Academic art, which prioritized anatomical and historical accuracy. The study, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Pils's skill and his contributions to the religious art of his era.