Ernest Meissonier's "Sketchbook, page 72: Figure Study" is a graphite drawing that demonstrates the artist's meticulous approach to figure drawing and anatomical study. As a preparatory sketch, this work reflects Meissonier's academic training and his practice of working from life to develop the human form with precision and naturalism. The drawing exemplifies the 19th century French tradition of careful observational drawing as a foundation for finished historical and genre paintings.