Get Thee Behind Me, Satan 1787

John Flaxman's "Get Thee Behind Me, Satan" is a 1787 drawing depicting the biblical moment when Jesus commands Satan to leave him. Flaxman, a prominent Neoclassical sculptor and draftsman, utilized a linear style to illustrate the scene, emphasizing the dramatic interaction between Jesus and Satan. In the drawing, Satan is depicted as a muscular figure being cast away by Jesus, while two angels, almost spectral in their ethereal quality, watch the scene unfold. The composition highlights the power and authority of Jesus, showcasing Flaxman's interest in biblical narratives and his adeptness at translating them into visual form.