Our Lady of Peace
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | The De Morgan Collection, The De Morgan Foundation. |
| Location History: | The artwork underwent major conservation work in 2018 and was subsequently shown in the exhibition "The De Morgans: Two of the rarest spirits of the age" at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. |
Our Lady of Peace by Evelyn de Morgan sounds like a work that combines a religious theme with a sense of silence and inner peace. In the center is usually the image of the Virgin Mary: she not only demonstrates holiness, but seems to be addressed to the viewer with soft, almost maternal composure. The face conveys meekness and thoughtfulness—the gaze can be directed in such a way as to create the impression of dialogue rather than a static pose. De Morgan's style is often based on expressive color symbolism and decorativeness: the background and details are often perceived as a subtle harmony that supports the main thing - the figure of the Mother of God. In such works, the light is placed in such a way that it emphasizes the contours rather than “dissolving” them: therefore, the image remains clear and stable. The feeling of “peace” is achieved by a combination of a calm palette, soft transitions and an overall still, contemplative atmosphere.