Study of a Soldier Attacking a Woman 

This watercolor study by Robert Smirke depicts a dramatic scene, likely from a historical or mythological source. A soldier in armor raises his sword toward a woman who appears to be pleading for mercy, while a second woman kneels in despair. The scene is set within an interior, suggesting a private chamber or a more intimate setting. The use of muted colors and quick, gestural brushstrokes lend a sense of immediacy and urgency to the composition. Smirke, known for his historical paintings, often explored themes of violence and sacrifice in his works.