The Satanic. Satan Sowing Tares

"The Satanic. Satan Sowing Tares" by Félicien Rops exemplifies his mastery in lithography and his exploration of Symbolism and the occult. The painting portrays Satan sowing lies or chaos, echoing themes found in religious painting traditions but with a provocative, decadent twist characteristic of Rops' era. His work often blurs moral boundaries, reflecting his bohemian and avant-garde sensibilities. While primarily celebrated for his prints and illustrations that combine eroticism and symbolism, this piece demonstrates his interest in dark, spiritual, and antithetical imagery, positioning him as a pioneering figure in fin-de-siècle art.