Satan and Beelzebub

Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence

Media: Black Chalk, white highlights on brown paper

Date: c. 1795-1797

Dimensions: H 12.7 cm; W 7.1 cm

“Exhibited in 1797, this study by Lawrence for his "reception piece" at the Royal Academy of Arts in London is the most complete of the eight known preliminary drawings. Virtually the entire composition is animated by two monumental figures: Satan and Beelzebub, who face the viewer, towering above the fiery clouds. Naked and wearing a helmet of antique style, Satan is depicted standing firm and raising his hands up in a gesture of power. Beelzebub, also naked, leans with both hands on a spear. The two figures display the combined influence of Michelangelo and Reynolds. The image of Satan as melodramatic hero reflects the principal features of the painter's metaphysics of hell, namely grandeur and darkness, but the work hovers between the sublime and the grandiloquent.” Morin Alexia, Grollemund Helene

Thomas Lawrence was born in 1769. He became well known for painting portraits as a child and by the age of 12 he has his own studio in Bath. He became a student of the Royal Academy in 1787 and in 1789 he was asked to paint Queen Charlotte. The King appointed Lawrence the royal painter in 1792. In 1815, Lawrence was knighted and in 1820 he became President of the Royal Academy. He later died in 1830.

             
The title alone gives justification for how the painting fits the theme. This painting gives Satan the appearance of perfection. His physique makes him look indestructible. The use of lighting gives the impression that the two individuals in the painting are in a place of darkness and the fires from hell give illumination. They appear to be rallying troops for a battle, and their body language suggests leadership.