The Destroying Angel and Daemons of Evil Interrupting the Orgies of the Vicious and Intemperate

William Etty 1787 - 1849

Summary

A dramatic scene of a classical temple being destroyed by an angel and its occupants attacked by satyr-like demons. The central figure of the huge destroying angel, in the upper part of the composition, soars through the temple decked with golden statues, leaving a trail of fire and crumbling temple columns to the left. In the foreground is a chaotic scene of the semi-nude figures of men and women under attack and desperately trying to escape from a group of dark, muscular demons with pointed ears. They advance from the right, brutalising and carrying away the semi-nude female figures. In the centre foreground a demon figure wields a metal chain over the bodies of figures lying on the floor. Seated behind this central figure-group are two women and a man, watching in confused horror and clinging to one another. To the left and right are groups of figures fleeing in panic. The subject was described by Etty as a 'vision': it does not come from any literary source but demonstrates the imaginative excesses of which the Romantic mind was capable. The shape of the painting reflects that of an archway with a curved upper edge.

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The Destroying Angel and Daemons of Evil Interrupting the Orgies of the Vicious and Intemperate 1822-32 William Etty 1787-1849 Oil on paper on canvas This subject was described by Etty as a vision: it does not come from any literary source but demonstrates the imaginative excesses of which the Romantic mind was capable. The work shows the divine punishment of decadence but its overtly sexual content drew most attention. One critic noted 'though it seems to point a moral, ...it is calculated to excite any but such ideas as we should wish to see produced by Art.' Yet Etty's dynamic composition and vigorous colouring were widely praised - as usual. Gift of Sir Joseph Whitworth 1882.146