In this finished drawing, which demonstrates his masterful skill in the medium of charcoal, Elihu Vedder established the pose central to his Symbolist painting titled Soul in Bondage. In contrast to the finished paintings fantastic, imaginary backdrop of arcing tonal bands, Vedder employed a more naturalistic setting here. It was perhaps the placid mood of the rippled water and setting sun in this image that led the artist to convey the figures inner turmoil more emphatically through the web of swirling currents in his ultimate design.