Evelyn De Morgan, The Light Shineth in Darkness and the Darkness Comprehendreth it not - 1906 by Atelier Liesjes

The title comes from the Latin Gospel of John, which refers to Christ as the light of men - "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it".

The angelic figure of the painting sits between light and rainbows, looks down with an expression of pity and raises her hand in a blessing. The three curved figures, wearing shackles, hide their faces from the light. The light shines on them, but they do not look up to see the messenger. They are prisoners of their own fears and doubts.

The girls are standing naked on the portrait through which buttocks, hips, back, belly and breasts are depicted.

The angelic spirit is so close to them, all they have to do is raise their heads and they will see the light, but they shrink away. The painting suggests that if only mankind would lift up their heads and look, and expose their ears and listen, they will see and hear the message of Christ among them.

Evelyn De Morgan (London, 30 August 1855 - there, 2 May 1919) was an English painter associated with the movement of the Pre-Raphaelites. She studied spiritualism, was an advocate of social reforms such as women's suffrage and was interested in moral issues. She derived her themes from religious and allegorical figures and scenes and strong female figures, often with a message of hope and courage.