The Worship of Mammon Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919)

Here we observe a scene steeped in symbolic weight and dramatic tension. A powerfully built figure dominates the composition, his muscular form rendered with a palpable physicality. He is positioned centrally, leaning forward with an almost possessive gesture towards a smaller, female figure who clings to him. The woman’s gaze is directed upwards, her expression a complex mixture of longing and perhaps even resignation. Her hair, a vibrant shade of red-orange, contrasts sharply with the muted tones of her flowing drapery.
The artist placed the male figure in stark relief against a backdrop of deep blue, punctuated by scattered stars that evoke a celestial or otherworldly atmosphere. A landscape is suggested at the base of the composition, hinting at a broader context beyond the immediate interaction between the two figures. The man holds aloft an object resembling a heavy sack or pouch, its significance likely tied to the scene’s underlying narrative.
The subtexts within this painting are layered and suggestive. The womans posture and upward gaze imply a yearning for something beyond her grasp, while her physical proximity to the male figure suggests a complex relationship of dependence or entrapment. The man’s imposing presence and the object he carries seem to represent an overwhelming force – perhaps material wealth or power – that exerts a seductive influence over the woman.
The color palette reinforces this sense of duality: the cool blues and whites associated with the celestial realm contrast with the earthy tones of the male figure, highlighting the tension between spiritual aspiration and worldly temptation. The overall impression is one of moral compromise, where an individual’s desires are being exploited by a force that promises fulfillment but ultimately leads to subjugation. The scene appears to be a cautionary allegory about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of material possessions.