Hope in a Prison of Despair 1887

Evelyn De Morgan’s 1887 painting “Hope in a Prison of Despair” is a Pre-Raphaelite work that depicts the allegory of hope offering comfort to a prisoner. The artwork features a woman in red and gold robes offering a flaming lamp to a forlorn woman draped in a blue cloak, chained and kneeling before a barred door. The painting’s rich colors and highly detailed composition are characteristic of the Pre-Raphaelite style, known for its emphasis on symbolism and narrative. The contrast between the light and dark tones suggests the power of hope to bring light into darkness. This artwork is a moving portrayal of the human struggle for hope and resilience in the face of despair.