Toorop, Jan (1858-1928) - The Three Brides 1893

This symbolist monochrome painting by Jan Toorop shows three states of the soul. The first on the far left is an innocent bride in a Madonna-like pose, who has dedicated her life to God. Contrast her spirituality and lack of sexuality with the other two brides.

The one in the middle dedicated herself to earthly and profane love. The one on the far right, whose looks appear to be influenced by Egyptian art, is Satanic. Her attachment to carnal pleasures and material possessions is symbolised by her evil facial look and the string small skulls around her neck.

The handmaidens in the foreground bring bells and lilies, and there’s a bed of thorns on which the scene is set. Collectively, this painting aggregates common Symbolist elements that associate women with dangerous sensuality, sin and death.

This download consists of 1 image, in jpeg format, that is 600dpi and 6162 pixels wide by 5010 pixels tall.

The picture is out of copyright and in the public domain, so you are free to use it in whatever way you'd like, including commercial use.

Read more about Jan Toorop.