The Angels of Sodom 1890

Gustave Moreau's 'The Angels of Sodom' presents us with a dramatic composition, contrasting ethereal figures against a landscape consumed by darkness and turmoil. The angels, rendered in pale, almost spectral hues, hover above the scene, their forms dissolving into the bright sky. This ethereal quality opposes the dense, richly textured ground below, built with dark, tumultuous brushstrokes that suggest the chaotic destruction of Sodom. Moreau uses this contrast to explore themes of divine judgment and moral decay. The angels, symbols of purity and divine intervention, are visually set apart from the corrupted world they are tasked to destroy. This separation is not merely aesthetic; it underscores the absolute divide between the sacred and the profane. Through this dichotomy, Moreau creates a space for contemplation on the nature of morality and the consequences of transgression. The painting’s enduring power lies in its ability to provoke reflection on these weighty themes. The contrast in the form, color and brushstrokes prompts us to consider the complex interplay between divine will and human action, a discourse that transcends the canvas and enters the realm of philosophical debate.