Evelyn de Morgan
Evelyn De Morgan was an English painter who was associated early in her career with the later phase of the Pre-Raphaelite Movement. She worked in a range of styles, including Aestheticism and Symbolism. Her paintings are figural, foregrounding the female body through spiritual, mythological, and allegorical themes.
Inspired by Greek mythology, our painting today presents an allegory of the cycle of life through the figures of the Morning Star (Phosphorus) and the Evening Star (Hesperus). Phosphorus rises, torch aloft and heralding the coming dawn, while Hesperus sinks into darkness, his flame flickering and his eyes closing in anticipation of sleep.
The flattened, sculptural forms and marble-like tones of the two young men reflect De Morgan's deep interest in classical sculpture. The depiction of two nude male figures with phallic torches was considered controversial when first exhibited. Yet the work also carries a distinctly feminine undercurrent: the shoreline setting allowed Evelyn to incorporate seashells—traditional symbols of fertility and feminine power—into the composition.
This painting is featured in our newest postcard set - Nudes in Art :)
P.S. Check out the art of Evelyn De Morgan—one of the few successful Victorian women who made it big in the art world! But she wasn't the only one! If you thought the Pre-Raphaelite movement was all men, think again. Meet 5 remarkable Pre-Raphaelite Sisters!
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