Angel Seated by Tomb n.d.

Elizabeth Murray made this drawing of an angel seated by a tomb sometime in the mid-19th century. It is rendered in graphite on paper and shows an angel, presumably guarding a tomb, looking pensively to the side. Murray was working in a period when women artists were gaining greater access to formal artistic training, yet were still often excluded from the most prestigious institutions and opportunities. The careful draftsmanship suggests academic training. But the subject matter, while religious, also opens up questions about the role of women as guardians, witnesses, and mourners – roles often assigned to them in Victorian society. Is this simply a religious image, or does it subtly comment on women’s social roles? To understand Murray’s artistic choices, we need to consider not only the artistic conventions of her time but also the social expectations placed upon women artists. Art historical research, including archival work and biographical study, helps us to understand the complex interplay between artistic expression and the social conditions in which it is produced.