The Soul’s Prison House Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919)

Here we observe a figure seated upon a rough-hewn wooden bench within what appears to be a confined space – a cell or chamber defined by stone walls and punctuated by a barred window high above. The individual is female, with fair hair cascading around her shoulders and face. Her expression conveys a sense of melancholy, perhaps resignation, directed towards an indeterminate point beyond the viewer’s perspective.
The figures attire presents a curious juxtaposition. She wears a flowing green robe, lined with pink fabric, suggesting a degree of refinement or even nobility, yet this is set against the starkness of her surroundings and the evident lack of footwear; her feet are bare upon the tiled floor. A long, dark ribbon or strip of material diagonally bisects the composition, extending from one hand to the other, seemingly held taut across her lap. This element introduces a visual tension, acting as both a barrier and a potential symbol of constraint.
The window above is significant. The bars are clearly visible, reinforcing the sense of imprisonment. Beyond them, darkness prevails, hinting at an inaccessible world or perhaps the unknown future. At the base of the wall, partially obscured by the figure’s feet, lies what appears to be a discarded snake skin – a detail laden with symbolic weight, potentially referencing themes of temptation, shedding old selves, or spiritual transformation.
The color palette is muted and earthy, dominated by greens, browns, and pinks, contributing to an atmosphere of somber introspection. The lighting is diffused, casting soft shadows that further emphasize the figure’s isolation. The composition directs attention towards her face and hands, highlighting her emotional state and the object she holds – the ribbon – which seems integral to understanding the narrative being presented.
Subtexts within this work suggest a contemplation of confinement, not necessarily physical but perhaps psychological or spiritual. The contrast between the refined clothing and the harsh environment implies an internal struggle, a sense of being trapped despite outward appearances of grace or status. The snake skin introduces a layer of complexity, hinting at a past transgression or a process of renewal. Ultimately, the painting invites reflection on themes of freedom versus restriction, inner turmoil, and the possibility of transcendence within limitations.