“The Woman Clothed with the Sun Fleeth from the Persecution of the Dragon,” created circa 1797 by Benjamin West, is an allegorical painting emblematic of the Neoclassicism art movement. With dimensions of 142.88 by 63.5 centimeters, this artwork is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and allegorical scene inspired by biblical imagery. At the top of the composition, an angel cradles a radiant infant, surrounded by a celestial glow, symbolizing divinity and protection. Below them, a woman, clothed in a brilliant gown of gold and crimson, is elevated by large, powerful wings, signifying her transcendence and flight from danger. She reaches upwards towards the infant, her expression and posture conveying a sense of urgency and desperation. Surrounding her are other angelic figures, adding to the ethereal quality of the scene. In the lower portion, menacing forms, including a dragon and serpentine creatures, lurk, representing the persecution and threat. The contrast between the divine and the demonic within the composition highlights the themes of salvation and peril. The use of light and shadow, typical of Neoclassical style, enhances the dramatic intensity, making it a visually compelling piece.
