Satan Defying the Powers of Heaven c. late 1790s

Here we see Henry Fuseli's rendering of "Satan Defying the Powers of Heaven." Fuseli painted during a time when the concept of the "heroic" was being redefined, moving away from traditional notions of virtuous leaders to embrace more complex, even rebellious figures. Fuseli, influenced by Milton’s Paradise Lost, presents Satan not as a purely evil being, but as a figure of defiance against divine authority. This portrayal resonates with broader societal questions about power, authority, and the individual's right to challenge established norms. The Romantic era emphasized emotion, imagination, and the individual experience. We can see this echoed in Satan’s defiant pose, a testament to individual will. What does it mean to root for the bad guy? Fuseli's work invites us to consider the ambiguities of morality and the seductive appeal of rebellion, reflecting enduring human struggles with power, freedom, and identity.