City of Light 1894

Evelyn De Morgan created 'City of Light' during a period of significant social change in England. Here, a woman clad in blue emerges from a dark, rocky landscape toward a radiant, illuminated city. The contrast between the dim, earthly tones on the left and the bright, golden light on the right symbolizes a transition, perhaps from ignorance to enlightenment. De Morgan was part of the Arts and Crafts movement, and a committed pacifist and spiritualist. She uses visual codes rooted in classical and Christian iconography to express a progressive social vision. The 'City of Light' could represent a utopian ideal, a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil of the time. The woman’s purposeful stride suggests agency and determination. Understanding 'City of Light' requires us to look into the historical context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring the artist's engagement with spiritualism, social reform, and the changing role of women in society. Through careful study, the historian can begin to unpack the layers of meaning embedded within this compelling image.