Angel of Death (Going to Heaven) (Horace Vernet) Ceramic Tile

This design features a painting by the French artist Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (1789–1863), more commonly known simply as Horace Vernet. It is a moving depiction of the death of a young person, which was relatively common in the 19th century. A beautiful young woman is being lifted out of bed by the black winged figure behind her, known as the angel of death; she will be lifted up to heaven, to experience eternal peace. A young man is praying by her bedside; an illuminated Bible is open on the table opposite him. The angel of death is clad in dark robes. It is a comforting image for those who believe in an afterlife. The original painting was completed in 1851.