The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun—created in London, United Kingdom, around 1805—is a watercolor Painting by William Blake, depicting a biblical scene from the Book of Revelation. The artwork portrays the dramatic confrontation between the imposing Figure of the Great Red Dragon and the Woman, who is adorned with the sun, with the dragon's powerful wings and muscular Form taking center stage against the vibrant celestial background. Blake's use of intense colors and dynamic composition emphasizes the supernatural and visionary themes inherent in the apocalyptic narrative. This piece, one of a series of Great Red Dragon paintings, exemplifies Blake's unique Style and his ability to convey complex spiritual Symbolism through Art. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum in New York, United States.
Genealogy
The Great Red Dragon And The Woman Clothed With The Sun occupies a distinctive position within the visual lexicon of biblical and apocalyptic Imagery, rooted in its references to the Book of Revelation's vivid descriptions of cosmic Conflict. Its title evokes the dramatic confrontation between a formidable beast and a celestial woman adorned with the sun, which underscores the themes of spiritual struggle and eschatological Prophecy. Central figures include the ominous dragon, representing malevolent Forces, and the woman, often interpreted as a symbol of purity or divine protection, mirroring Revelation 12’s narrative. The Work’s iconography intersects with historical texts that explore themes of apocalypse and Redemption, such as John Milton’s Paradise Lost and various theological commentaries on Revelation. Historically, the Image of the dragon has been employed in religious and secular contexts as a symbol of chaos and Opposition, while the woman’s portrayal aligns with artistic traditions that emphasize the celestial and virtuous. Notably, misinterpretations have occasionally aligned the dragon solely with Evil, overlooking its nuanced role as a complex antagonist in the text. Over Time, The Great Red Dragon And The Woman Clothed With The Sun has been juxtaposed with other visual depictions of Revelation, inviting comparisons with interpretations that focus on Allegory and spiritual triumph. Its Evolution reflects broader intellectual frameworks of the Romantic era, emphasizing The Sublime and the often-overlooked interplay of Fear and Beauty in representations of the apocalyptic. The underlying Structure of this artwork highlights the discourse of interpretive visual storytelling, a Dialogue that encompasses religious symbolism, cosmic allegory, and the dual narrative of destruction and Salvation as elements Shaping its enduring intrigue and varied interpretations.
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