Gloria in Excelsis
Artist: Evelyn de Morgan (English, 1855-1919)
Date: 1893
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: Private Collection
Description
Gloria in Excelsis is an abbreviation of Gloria in Excelsis Deo, or Glory to God in the highest, the anthem known as the hymn of the angels, so called as these were the first words the angels sang when announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds (Luke 2: 14). On the surface the title refers to the two angels singing the Gloria. The one on the right holds a scroll emblazoned with the words of the hymn, whilst the left hand angel plucks at a harp. However, it also embodies the deeper message that Christ’s birth will unite angels and men, separated by original sin, and that man may hope to join the heavenly host after death. This emphasis on the prospect of life after death greatly appealed to De Morgan’s spiritualist sensibilities and the painting is full of symbolism.
The two angels are sumptuously dressed in robes of white, red and gold, with elaborate wings made up of phoenix and peacock feathers, symbols of immortality and renewal. Above them in the golden cloud are the six winged seraphim, the highest order of angels, which these earth-bound angels hope to join. The harp represents the unity of heaven and earth, or of an inner spirituality and outer physicality. In a black and gold compositional study for the painting (fig. 3, 1893, De Morgan Foundation) the ground beneath the angels’ feet is rocky and desolate. However, in the final picture the ground is strewn with spring flowers, emphasizing a message of hope and renewal.