The Angel With The Serpent 

Editor: This is Evelyn De Morgan's painting, "The Angel With The Serpent." Although undated, it strikes me as incredibly evocative and Romantic. What do you see in this piece, in terms of its symbolic language? Curator: The symbolism is layered, certainly. Notice the angel's androgynous beauty and the almost tender way he regards the serpent. Traditionally, the serpent is a symbol of temptation, knowledge, and even evil. Yet here, it's almost…embraced. De Morgan seems to be exploring the duality of these symbols, asking us if "evil" is always what it seems. Editor: So, are you saying she's questioning the traditional interpretation of good and evil? Curator: Precisely! The Pre-Raphaelites, with whom De Morgan was associated, often reinterpreted classical and biblical narratives. Consider the rosy-hued wings, a vibrant departure from typical angelic depictions. The serpent entwined around the angel's leg doesn’t appear threatening, but integral. It becomes part of his narrative, suggesting wisdom gained through experience. Editor: It's like the serpent's knowledge is part of the angel now. Also, the colors. Are those symbolic too? Curator: Indeed. The pastel tones, especially the subtle blush in the sky, evoke a sense of dawning understanding, a softened reality. This challenges any fixed, absolute reading, implying the beauty inherent in perceived "wrong" choices. The painting embodies an allegorical journey toward nuanced understanding. Do you think the androgyny in this painting is intentional? Editor: Possibly. De Morgan is blurring the lines. It feels like she wants us to rethink binary oppositions of all kinds: good/evil, male/female. It's so fascinating. Curator: Absolutely, seeing these pieces side-by-side provides a rich opportunity to explore this in greater depth, perhaps moving beyond typical interpretation and delving deeper into psychology. Editor: Definitely gives you a fresh look at symbols and the meanings that have stuck with them through time. Thanks.