Artwork

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost')

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost'), by William Hogarth, oil, 1735
Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost'), by William Hogarth, oil, 1735

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the Tate.

About this work

Overview

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') is a painting executed in oil on canvas by William Hogarth in 1735. It illustrates a scene from John Milton's epic poem `Paradise Lost`.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts three figures: Satan, represented as a muscular man with a sword; Sin, a nude woman with a snake wrapped around her waist; and Death, a skeleton-like figure with an arrow in its chest. The scene conveys a sense of tension and conflict, as if the figures are engaged in a fierce battle.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth, with a predominantly dark palette featuring shades of brown and black. The use of light and shadow adds to the overall mood of tension and drama.

Context

The work was created during the rococo period, although Hogarth's style was not typically associated with the lighthearted and ornate qualities of rococo art. Instead, it reflects his background as a satirist and narrative painter, evident in other works such as `A Harlot's Progress` and `Marriage A-la-Mode`.

Satan and Death with Sin Intervening
Satan and Death with Sin Intervening, Henry Fuseli

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Hogarth

Artist

William Hogarth

William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.

Tate

Museum

Tate

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tate open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost')?

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') was painted by William Hogarth in 1735.

Where can I see Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost')?

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') is held by Tate.

What movement is Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost')?

Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost')?

Museum-quality prints of Satan, Sin and Death (A Scene from Milton's `Paradise Lost') are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.