| Object Number: | D_EDM_0234 | |
| Date: | - | |
| Category: | Board, Drawings, Homecoming, Paper, and Pastel | |
| Material: | Paper | |
| Inscriptions: | Inscription verso centre: Stirling, A.M.D.W, "1914" Study for a picture by Evelyn De Morgan. 'Peace and Plenty Frightened by the Dawning Horror of War'. |
This is a compositional study for an oil painting, painted by Evelyn at the outbreak of World War I. The picture is filled with foreboding and was described by the artist as The threatening horror dawning on Peace and Plenty. The work depicts two female figures, dressed in classical attire, being threatened by a devilish spirit. In the final painting the symbolic attributes of corn and laurel leaves are added, making it apparent the two figures are allegorical representations of peace and plenty. However, in reflection of the predicted suffering which will come, following the announcement of the outbreak of war, Plentys corn is reduced to a single sheaf and Peaces laurel wreath has been ripped from her neck.