Study of a Woman, being Taken Away by a Winged Being — History & Facts
In Study of a Woman, being Taken Away by a Winged Being, the viewer sees a woman in a flowing dress, her expression a mix of surprise and resignation. The winged being, possibly an angel or a mythical creature, hovers above her, its wings outstretched. The background features soft, muted colors that create a dreamlike atmosphere.
This combination of figures and setting evokes a sense of movement and emotion. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a medium that allows for rich color and texture. Smirke's brushwork is visible, with delicate strokes that define the figures and their garments. The use of light and shadow adds depth, highlighting the contours of the woman's face and the wings of the being.
The dimensions are approximately 100 x 150 cm, making it a sizable work that invites close inspection. Robert Smirke was an English painter known for his historical and mythological subjects. This work, created in the early 1820s, reflects the Romantic fascination with emotion and the supernatural. Interestingly, Smirke was also involved in the design of the famous British Museum, showcasing his diverse talents.
This painting exemplifies his ability to blend narrative with visual beauty.
More Artworks by Robert Smirke

Hotspur and the Plotters at Bangor
Robert Smirke

Oberon and Puck
Robert Smirke

One from Illustrations to Shakespeare
Robert Smirke

Cesar Passing the Rubicon
Robert Smirke

Lady Mortimer’s Welsh Song
Robert Smirke

Prospero Conjuring a Masque for Ferdinand and Miranda
Robert Smirke

Master William Page and Sir Hugh Evans
Robert Smirke

Diana and Actaeon
Robert Smirke

As You Like It; Act II, Scene VII; The Seven Ages Man (First Age)
Robert Smirke

As You Like It; Act II, Scene VII; The Seven Ages Man (Third Age)
Robert Smirke






