William Sharp. Evil. 1816. England. Engraving on ivory China paper, laid down on ivory laid paper (chine collé) Sharp transcended Le Brun’s codified expressions of fear and hate when he reproduced the unhinged expression of Michelangelo’s ultimate fiend. Despite the figure’s inhuman screams, Sharp suggested the wicked would not prevail forever, for, according to Psalm 37 (cited on the print’s final state) “The wicked plot against the righteous; and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”

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Size: 2133px × 3000px
Photo credit: © WBC ART / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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