Artwork
Winged Figure
Winged Figure is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Abbott Handerson Thayer. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1895, Winged Figure is an oil painting by American artist Abbott Handerson Thayer. The work depicts a serene, winged woman seated upon a cloud against a clear blue sky. Her posture is composed, with hands clasped at her chest, and her eyes are gently closed, conveying a quiet, contemplative presence.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is rendered as a female angelic form, her white wings and tranquil demeanor suggesting themes of purity and spiritual ascent. The closed eyes and calm expression invite reflection on inner peace, while the cloud setting reinforces a sense of otherworldly elevation.
Technique & Style
Thayer employs a smooth, luminous oil technique characteristic of his late 19th‑century allegorical works. Soft, blended brushwork creates a delicate transition between the figure’s tan dress and the surrounding sky, while the subtle modeling of light on the wings enhances their ethereal quality.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains on display. Thayer, known for his naturalist studies and symbolic compositions, produced this work during a period when he frequently incorporated his own children as models for angelic subjects.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Abbott Handerson Thayer (August 12, 1849 – May 29, 1921) was an American painter, naturalist, and teacher.
