Daughters of the Mist c. 1905 - 1910

Evelyn De Morgan's 'Daughters of the Mist' presents a dreamlike scene, likely executed with oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th century. The smooth, almost ethereal quality of the paint application enhances the subject matter: four figures amidst mist. The artist built up the image through thin layers of translucent glazes, a technique mastered during the Renaissance. This method creates a luminous effect, with light seemingly emanating from within the figures themselves. The effect is carefully controlled, requiring a keen understanding of color theory and pigment behavior. De Morgan's embrace of these time-consuming processes suggests a deliberate choice to emphasize craftsmanship and the meticulous skill involved in achieving such delicate effects. This approach elevates painting beyond mere representation, instead highlighting the artistic labor and mastery embedded in the work itself. This piece invites us to appreciate the technical skill of the artist, and the time and effort invested in its creation.