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Dramatic scene of a classical temple being destroyed by an angel and its occupants attacked by satyr-like daemons. The central figure of a 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 who advance from the right, brutalising and carrying away semi-nude female figures and, 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.
Title
The Destroying Angel and Daemons of Evil Interrupting the Orgies of the Vicious and Intemperate
Date
1822–1832
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 101.9 x W 127.8 cm
Accession number
1882.146
Acquisition method
gift from Sir Joseph Whitworth, 1882
Work type
Painting
Inscription description
Unsigned.