Get Thee Behind Me, Satan 1787

John Flaxman’s pen and wash drawing, "Get Thee Behind Me, Satan," presents a scene of stark contrast and ethereal form. The composition is dominated by the figure of Christ who stands firm, his outstretched hand a barrier against the chaotic expulsion of Satan. The subdued palette accentuates the spiritual struggle, rendering the figures in shades of grey that emphasize line and form. Flaxman, working within a Neoclassical framework, employs line to define form and convey emotion. Christ is rendered with smooth, flowing lines, while Satan's figure is contorted, his form dissolving. This contrast is key to understanding the structural opposition within the work. The two figures positioned behind Christ, barely visible, are only defined by contour lines. These formal choices reveal a deeper engagement with the philosophical underpinnings of good and evil and divine order. Ultimately, the drawing is not just a religious narrative but a formal exploration of the power of line and form to convey complex theological ideas, challenging viewers to consider the structural forces at play in moral and spiritual conflict.