Two Sketches of a Cardinal, and a Confessional

Arnold William Brunner's sketch captures a moment of religious authority and institutional power. Two quick figure studies show a cardinal in profile and three-quarter view, rendered with economical line work that conveys posture and dignity. Below, a detailed architectural study of a confessional booth demonstrates Brunner's dual training as both illustrator and architect. The annotations suggest these were working drawings, possibly for publication or design purposes. Brunner, who became a prominent American architect, used such sketches to explore compositional and structural problems. The work reflects late 19th-century artistic practice: rapid observational drawing paired with careful architectural documentation, tools essential for illustrators working in periodicals and for architects developing public and religious commissions.