Engelssturz 1830 - 1832

Johann Peter Krafft's "Engelssturz" presents a celestial conflict rendered with dynamic composition and delicate hues. The scene is divided into the upper and lower registers to distinguish between the celestial and the infernal. Note how Krafft uses diagonal lines and cascading figures to depict the fall of the rebellious angels. The dynamism is emphasized by the contrast in colour: brighter tones denote the celestial realm, set against the darker, earthier shades of the fallen angels. The artist’s strategic use of colour and form creates a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the moral dimensions of the scene. This work speaks to the period's fascination with order and chaos, reflecting the era's preoccupation with moral and social structures. The fall is not merely a physical one, but also a symbolic disruption of divine order. The open-ended composition invites us to interpret the ongoing interplay between these forces and understand how such a concept might challenge fixed meanings.