Lucifer by Franz von Stuck (Interpretation and Analysis)

Lucifer
Source: Wikimedia Commons

There are few things more spooky than Satan, am I right? So, as October continues, I want to share one of the creepiest paintings of the devil out there: Lucifer by German artist Franz von Stuck.

In a word, von Stuck’s work can be described as dark. Some of his most famous paintings include subjects like Dante’s Inferno, the Roman god of the Underworld, Pluto, original sin, seduction, and, of course, Lucifer himself.

von Stuck was a member of the Symbolist movement, an artistic style that sought to convey meaning through the artist’s own particular language of symbolism. While their styles vary greatly Symbolist painters tend to lean on mythology, mysticism, and dream-like imagery.

According to my research, von Stuck approached Symbolism through focus on the idea of duality and the nature of humanity. His art explores the contradictory nature of the human condition, such as life and death or pain and pleasure. His work was well-respected by other artists, and over the years von Stuck taught and advised luminaries such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee.

As you can probably imagine, von Stuck’s Lucifer depicts Lucifer, the fallen angel of light whom God cast out of Heaven. The piece dates from von Stuck’s “dark monumental” period and was described by contemporary critics as a “man-demon.” Indeed, this characterization seems correct. Instead of depicting Satan as a monstrous creature, von Stuck paints him as a grim- faced man with black wings and luminous yellow eyes. The most frightening thing about the piece is that the subject looks—on the surface—so ordinary. Aside from his wings and eyes, the “man-demon” appears entirely human. The piece seems to imply humans need no external, supernatural source of evil; they carry it in themselves, along with the luminosity that made Lucifer beautiful in Heaven.

According to my research, von Stuck’s Lucifer terrified government ministers while it was in the possession of Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria; some of these men even felt compelled to make the sign of the cross whenever they saw von Stuck’s black and brooding masterpiece. I can understand the feeling.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.