Henry Singleton – Ariel on a Bat’s Back Tate Britain (London)

The composition presents a figure suspended in mid-air, seemingly borne aloft by a large bat. The central figure is rendered with a classical sensibility; their form is idealized and possesses a certain languid grace. They are draped in flowing fabric that clings loosely to the body, revealing portions of skin while simultaneously obscuring definitive anatomical details. A cascade of what appears to be hair or ethereal cloth swirls around them, contributing to an overall sense of movement and otherworldly lightness. The figure’s expression is one of serene detachment, their gaze directed outwards with a hint of melancholy.
The bat itself dominates the lower portion of the canvas. Its wings are spread wide, creating a dark, almost menacing silhouette against the background. The creatures eyes are rendered with an unsettling intensity, suggesting a sentience beyond that of a mere animal. It is positioned centrally, acting as both a vehicle and a focal point for the narrative unfolding within the scene.
The backdrop is characterized by a dramatic chiaroscuro effect. Deep shadows envelop much of the space, punctuated only by subtle gradations of light that suggest an indistinct landscape below – possibly water or a darkened terrain. This limited visibility contributes to a feeling of isolation and mystery, reinforcing the sense that the figure exists in a realm beyond the everyday.
Subtextually, the work explores themes of transformation, freedom, and perhaps even a touch of melancholy. The bat, traditionally associated with darkness, superstition, and nocturnal activity, serves as an unlikely carrier for this idealized human form. This juxtaposition suggests a blurring of boundaries between the natural and supernatural, the earthly and the ethereal. The figure’s detached expression might imply a sense of longing or displacement – a yearning for something beyond their immediate surroundings. The overall effect is one of dreamlike fantasy, evoking a mood that is both captivating and slightly unsettling.