The Crown of Glory Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919)

Here we observe a composition divided into distinct zones, creating a layered narrative effect. The foreground is dominated by a female figure, rendered in classical drapery reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman statuary. Her posture suggests contemplation; her gaze directed upwards and slightly away from the viewer, as if absorbed in something beyond the immediate scene. A crown rests upon a small table beside her, its presence immediately drawing attention to themes of royalty, achievement, or perhaps temptation. The figure’s hand gestures towards the crown, but without grasping it, implying a complex relationship with the symbol it represents.
Behind this central figure, an elaborate architectural framework establishes a sense of depth and grandeur. A staircase ascends into shadow, hinting at further spaces beyond what is visible. This structure serves as a visual barrier between the foreground and the background, where a religious scene unfolds.
Within that distant space, three figures are depicted in a manner suggesting holiness or divinity. The central figure, presumably Christ, is surrounded by two female attendants who appear to be venerating him. Their halos mark them as sacred beings, contrasting sharply with the earthly setting of the foreground. This juxtaposition creates a visual dialogue between the secular and the spiritual realms.
The color palette reinforces this duality. Warm tones – golds, reds, and browns – predominate in the background, evoking a sense of reverence and timelessness. The foreground is bathed in softer, cooler light, highlighting the figure’s physicality and emphasizing her connection to the earthly world.
Scattered roses on the floor contribute to the paintings symbolic richness. Roses often represent love, beauty, or sacrifice, adding another layer of complexity to the woman’s contemplation. The presence of books along a shelf further suggests intellectual pursuits and knowledge as potential paths toward glory.
The subtexts within this work appear to explore themes of ambition, faith, and the allure of worldly rewards versus spiritual fulfillment. The womans gaze and gesture suggest an internal struggle – a weighing of options between earthly recognition (symbolized by the crown) and a higher calling represented by the figures in the background. The painting doesn’t offer easy answers but rather presents a moment of profound decision, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of true glory.