'Maiden on the Beast' from the portfolio 'Images of War'
About this artwork
The 1914 series of lithographs, Images of War is a powerful and moving portfolio, creating an apocalyptic vision of war where Russia is the righteous champion, supported by angels against Satanic and evil forces. The Maiden on the Beast refers to the Whore of Babylon riding the seven headed beast, a symbol of evil in Christian art. Goncharova is therefore drawing a parallel, between Babylon and the Central Powers, the coalition Russia was fighting against in the First World War. The lithographs in the series use a mixture of religious and cultural motifs to create a timeless and patriotic portrait of war.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Natalia GoncharovaRussian (1881 - 1962)
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title:'Maiden on the Beast' from the portfolio 'Images of War'
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date created:1914
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materials:Lithograph on paper
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measurements:Sheet: 32.90 x 25.20 cm; portfolio: 36.70 x 27.50 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 2004
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accession number:GMA 4805.5
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gallery:
Natalia Goncharova
Natalia Goncharova
Goncharova was born near Tula in Russia. While studying in Moscow, she met fellow artist Mikhail Larionov who became her lifelong companion and encouraged her to concentrate on painting instead of sculpture. As a prominent figure in the Russian avant garde movement, she was an exponent of the 'Neo-...