Artwork

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto]

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto], by William Blake, graphite, 1792
An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto], by William Blake, graphite, 1792

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This graphite drawing on laid paper, created circa 1792, is a work by William Blake, a multifaceted English artist and poet. Characterized by its symbolic and imaginative elements, it exemplifies Blake's unique visual language.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a specific scene: an armed man rejecting a woman. While the exact interpretation of this interaction is not explicitly stated in available information, it aligns with Blake's propensity for conveying complex, often ambiguous, themes through his art.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the piece showcases Blake's skill in this medium, emphasizing line and form to convey emotion and narrative. The use of laid paper, with its visible texture, adds a tactile quality to the work.

History & Provenance

Created during Blake's lifetime in London (with the exception of a brief period in Felpham), this drawing was part of a body of work that saw little recognition until after his death. Specific details about its ownership history before achieving public or institutional recognition are not provided.

Context

Emerging in the late 18th century, this drawing situates itself within the burgeoning Romantic era in art and literature, a movement Blake would significantly influence with his visionary and emotionally charged works.

Sheet of Studies [recto and verso]
Sheet of Studies [recto and verso], John Flaxman

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Blake

Artist

William Blake

William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto]?

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto] was painted by William Blake in 1792.

Where can I see An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto]?

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto]?

An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto] is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto]?

Museum-quality prints of An Armed Man Spurning a Woman [recto] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.