The Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun 1805

William Blake crafted this watercolor, "The Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun," to illustrate the Book of Revelation. Here, we see the monstrous dragon, an age-old symbol of chaos, power, and destruction, poised to devour the woman and her child. Dragons have long stirred our collective psyche. From the serpent Apophis in ancient Egypt to the dragon Fáfnir in Norse myth, these beasts embody primal fears and untamed forces. Blake’s dragon, with its muscular form and menacing eyes, is a potent image, evoking a deep, subconscious recognition of the destructive potential lurking within us and the world around us. Yet, the woman bathed in sunlight represents hope and resilience. This symbol of divine protection echoes across cultures, reminding us of the enduring human spirit. This dynamic interplay engages our emotions on a profound level, stirring both dread and hope, reflecting our own inner battles between light and darkness. The image evokes a feeling of turmoil and divine hope, urging viewers to reflect on their own struggles.