2-716-406 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Pelagia and Philammon', 1887, (c1930). Scene from "Hypatia", a novel by Charles Kingsley: the monk Philammon finds his sister Pelagia at the point of death in the desert, and administers the holy sacraments. The two had been separated in childhood; Pelagia had been a dancer and courtesan but became a Christian hermit. Her reformed character is indicated by the halo floating above her head. Vultures wait in the distance. Painting in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. From "Modern Masterpieces of British Art". [The Amalgamated Press Ltd., London, c1930]