Angel by Abbott Handerson Thayer
Description: Angel by Abbott Handerson Thayer is one of his most iconic works, depicting a majestic and serene angelic figure with expansive wings. Painted in 1887, this artwork features a young woman in a flowing white gown, standing with her wings fully extended behind her. The composition is simple yet powerful, with the figure placed centrally against a softly colored, indistinct background, emphasizing the purity and spiritual presence of the angel. Thayer's skillful use of light and shadow accentuates the texture of the wings and the gentle expression of the figure, evoking a sense of divine protection and ethereal beauty. Known for his symbolic and spiritual themes, Thayer often used angelic imagery to explore ideas of virtue, purity, and transcendence, blending naturalism with a visionary approach.
Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849-1921) was an American artist deeply influenced by Symbolism and the spiritual undertones of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Boston, Thayer was also a naturalist, and his studies of camouflage and protective coloration in nature informed his artistic exploration of light, form, and harmony. His angels, including Angel, reflect his fascination with idealized beauty and the divine, using the human form to convey themes of moral purity and otherworldly grace. This painting, in particular, became a symbol of Thayer’s artistic vision and remains a celebrated piece for its delicate balance between realism and symbolism.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: United States, 1887.
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Medium: Oil on canvas.
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Full Artwork Name: Angel.
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Artwork Style: Symbolism.
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Subject/Topic: A young angelic figure with outstretched wings, focusing on themes of purity, protection, and spiritual beauty, rendered with an emphasis on light and harmony.