The Angel with the Serpent Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919)

Here we observe a figure possessing both angelic and human characteristics seated within a lush, overgrown landscape. The individuals head is tilted downwards, eyes closed in what appears to be either contemplation or slumber. A halo of reddish-orange hair frames the face, while prominent wings extend from the back, suggesting a celestial origin. The body is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing musculature and skin texture, indicative of a classical idealization.
The most striking element is the serpent coiled around the figure’s legs and torso. It is depicted not as menacing or threatening, but rather as an intimate companion, its form gently intertwined with the human-angelic body. The creatures scales are meticulously rendered, catching the light in a way that highlights their texture and sheen.
The setting contributes significantly to the painting’s atmosphere. A dense thicket of flowering plants – roses and other blooms – forms the immediate foreground, creating a sense of enclosure and abundance. Beyond this lies a body of water, reflecting the distant mountain range under a hazy sky. The landscape is rendered with a muted palette, emphasizing depth and distance.
Several subtexts emerge from this composition. The juxtaposition of an angel – traditionally representing purity and divine grace – with a serpent – often associated with temptation, knowledge, and transgression – creates immediate tension. The figure’s posture suggests not fear or rejection of the serpent, but rather acceptance, even affection. This invites interpretations concerning forbidden knowledge, the complexities of good and evil, and the potential for beauty to be found in unexpected places.
The landscape itself can be read as a symbolic representation of paradise lost or a liminal space between innocence and experience. The abundance of flora suggests fertility and growth, while the distant mountains hint at an unattainable ideal. Ultimately, the painting presents a complex narrative that resists easy categorization, prompting reflection on themes of duality, temptation, and the ambiguous nature of existence.