“The Great Red Dragon and the Beast from the Sea” is a symbolic painting created by William Blake in 1805. Belonging to the Symbolism art movement, the artwork measures 40.1 x 35.6 cm. The piece is well-regarded in the genre of symbolic painting, showcasing Blake’s unique artistic vision.
The artwork depicts a powerful, mythological scene combining surreal and fantastical elements. The central figure, the Great Red Dragon, is an imposing and muscular creature, standing with a dominant presence. The dragon has multiple heads emerging from its shoulders and a serpentine body. It grips a menacing sword in each hand, amplifying its fierce appearance. Surrounding the dragon is the Beast from the Sea, with heads that have human-like faces, portrayed with a mix of fear and aggression, submerging partially in turbulent waters. The scene is rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting themes of chaos, power, and the fantastical struggles between good and evil. Blake’s meticulous detail and dramatic composition convey a sense of awe and otherworldliness, characteristic of his symbolic and visionary artistry.
