Luna 1885

Evelyn De Morgan rendered Luna in oil paint to create this evocative image of the moon goddess. Oil paint allows for a luminous quality, seen in the figure's ethereal glow. De Morgan's technical skill is clear, particularly in the layering of pigments to create subtle gradations of light and shadow. But consider also the symbolic weight of the materials. Oil paint, traditionally associated with high art, elevates the subject matter. The artist uses the medium's capacity for realism and idealization, enhancing the goddess's beauty and otherworldly presence. The ropes that bind Luna might suggest restraint, but can also be seen as an indication of control over the celestial sphere. This image is a great example of how the material and the making process are central to the artwork's cultural and symbolic significance, and can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.