The fall of Lucifer

A popular theme, certainly in western art is the story of the wars in heaven, which we now identify with the origins of the devil. Originally a biblical tale and popularized by John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost”, the expulsion of Lucifer and his followers from heaven has been a major influence on western art and literature for centuries. Indeed, the contemporary imaginings of the devil as being a suited gentleman of immaculate taste and infinite intelligence have been widely conveyed through film, music and literature in recent decades.

This piece is actually an adaptation of a painting by Joel Rea called “Transcend Blue III”, depicting a suited man in freefall. It is a very dramatic picture and reminded me of Paradise Lost when I first saw it. I followed this line of thought by adding wings to the man to convey the fallen angel theme while keeping the suit would give the subject a contemporary look.