Death Defeated Possibly 1888 - 1894

Here is the script: William Strang created this etching, portraying a confrontation laden with symbolism. An angel stands over a fallen figure, bathed in the light of what seems to be a new dawn. The angel, a common symbol of divine intervention, has roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamian art. The motif of the angel is powerful, resonating with cultural memories of protection and guidance. Think of Nike of Samothrace—the winged goddess of victory—a concept later Christianised, now repurposed to represent hope and salvation. Consider how the image speaks to our collective subconscious fear of mortality. Death, often depicted as a skeletal figure or a grim reaper, is here rendered human, vulnerable. This evokes a powerful emotional response, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This is not a linear progression, but a cyclical return. The angel will continue to reappear, always evolving, yet forever carrying the weight of its cultural past.