I’m ashamed to say the the name Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919) was new to me but I have since discovered that she was one of the most remarkable artists of her generation. She has been described as ‘a pioneering artist whose richly coloured paintings reflect themes of feminism, spirituality, and a passionate rejection of war and materialism. Admired by Oscar Wilde and fellow artist William Holman Hunt, her work remains as powerful as ever’.
The Guildhall Art Gallery is presenting ‘Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London’ to celebrate the work of this extraordinary artist who flew in the face of convention.
There follows a description of a few of the beautiful works on display. The signage is excellent so no point in me adding to it.
Some personal items …
A very early painting …
‘Study from life’ – An early work (c.1873) made whilst Evelyn was a student at the Slade school …
Due to the social conventions of the time, Evelyn and other women artists had difficulty accessing male models. This led her to use female models for male figures.
The Grey Sisters (1880-1881) …
Cadmus and Harmonia (1877) …
Death of the Dragon (1914-1918) was painted towards the end of the war as a final apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil …
The radiant angel is shown descending to defeat the dragons and protect the figures at the front of the painting who are shown in a moment of desperation. Although the scene seems bleak, it represents a hopeful vision for the end of war.
The Poor Man who Saved the City (1901) …
Our Lady of Peace (1907) …
The Storm Spirits (1900) …
Earthbound (1897) …
In a desolate place, an aged king covets his hoard of gold, oblivious to the Angel of Death approaching and a freed spirit rising into the sky in the distance.
The Hourglass (1904-1905) …
The seated figure, richly attired in an opulent setting, gazes on the hourglass sands running out, at her feet is a book entitled ‘Mors Janua Vitae ‘ – Death is the Doorway to Everlasting Life. Unheeded outside the open doorway stands the figure of Life Immortal, piping in the sunlight. The model was Jane Morris, widoew of William Morris.
It’s a fabulous exhibition, and the above is just a small example of the works on display. There is also a lavishly illustrated guide which tells the fascinating story of Evelyn’s life. Entry is free or ‘pay what you wish’.
PS: Couldn’t resist taking a picture of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Roller’ outside the Guildhall …
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