S.O.S. c. 1914 - 1916

Evelyn De Morgan created this oil painting called S.O.S. some time around the turn of the twentieth century, and it’s so full of wild, theatrical gestures! Look at the way the paint has been applied in wispy brushstrokes for the sky, or in thicker strokes to mimic the churning waves. You can really sense the artist's hand moving across the canvas. There's something really striking in the contrast between the smooth, almost porcelain-like skin of the central figure and the rough, scaly textures of the sea monsters surrounding her. And then there's this rainbow effect arching overhead! I love how the colors shift and blend, creating a sort of ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It's a bit like looking at a Rossetti, with the subject matter of Gustave Moreau. Ultimately, the painting's appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of mystery and ambiguity, inviting us to ponder the complexities of human experience and the power of art to give form to the unknown.