Lux in Tenebris c. 1895

Evelyn De Morgan crafted this painting, titled Lux in Tenebris, likely at the turn of the century. Our eyes are drawn to the radiant figure holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome. Here, surrounded by an aura of light, she sits above a murky landscape. Consider the motif of the olive branch. It appears not only in classical antiquity but also in Christian iconography, most famously after the biblical flood. From the dove bearing an olive branch signaling the receding waters, to its appearance in other contexts, we see the symbol’s resilience. The message has been passed down through history, shifting slightly in meaning but consistently representing hope and renewal. Observe how De Morgan uses light to pierce the darkness. The image speaks to a deep, subconscious yearning for deliverance and serenity. This cyclical progression of hope in times of darkness engages viewers on a profound emotional level.