The worship of Mammon c. 1909

Evelyn De Morgan's painting presents us with a scene dominated by two powerful symbols: Mammon, the biblical personification of greed, and the supplicant figure who clings to him. Mammon, often depicted holding a bag of money, embodies the corrupting influence of wealth. Here, he looms large, a stark representation of worldly power. The woman, her gaze fixed upward in desperate hope, reminds us of similar postures of supplication found in religious art across cultures. Think of Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, or figures in ancient Egyptian art appealing to their gods. This gesture transcends time, manifesting humanity’s enduring search for solace. The bag of money held by Mammon is a motif that has journeyed through centuries. From ancient coins offered to deities to the overflowing coffers in Renaissance depictions of avarice, it always speaks to the allure of wealth and its potential for moral decay. It reflects the cyclical nature of human desires, where the pursuit of riches often overshadows spiritual values. De Morgan captures the complex interplay between desire and degradation, leaving us to reflect on the timeless power of such symbols.