Death of the Dragon c. 1914

Editor: This is Evelyn De Morgan's "Death of the Dragon," an oil painting from around 1914. It's quite striking – the light seems to emanate from the central figure, but it's also unsettling because of the figures in chains and those dragons being vanquished. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This piece pulsates with the sociopolitical anxieties of De Morgan’s time. While seemingly allegorical, consider the dragons not merely as mythical beasts, but as representations of oppressive systems, perhaps even patriarchal structures binding the figures you mentioned. De Morgan was deeply engaged with spiritualism and pacifism, particularly during the First World War, so could this angel signify a collective desire for liberation from societal ills and destructive conflict? Editor: So, the chained figures are symbolic of societal constraints? The dragon imagery feels quite potent; did the Pre-Raphaelites often employ these types of symbols? Curator: Absolutely. The Pre-Raphaelites were fascinated by mythology, using it as a mirror to reflect and critique Victorian society. De Morgan subverts traditional heroic narratives. Notice the lack of a triumphant knight; instead, we have this radiant, androgynous angel figure who isn’t actively battling the dragons, but seemingly dissolving their power. Doesn't that shift our perspective on power dynamics? Editor: It does! It feels more like an internal, spiritual battle than a physical one. Curator: Precisely. And the chained figures prostrating may not be out of subservience. Might this indicate they're relinquishing their burdens? Given De Morgan's engagement with feminist thought, what if this a symbolic reinterpretation of historical injustices? Editor: That's a powerful way to look at it. It's like the painting asks us to question who is really being saved, and from what. Curator: Indeed. And ultimately to question what oppressive powers may look like within ourselves and our shared communities. Editor: I hadn’t considered that reading, this definitely provided me with an extended perception and perspective. Thanks!