The Death of Cain

On loan from Royal Academy of Arts, London

Often turning to the Old Testament in search of subjects, Watts felt free to visually reinterpret and extend these religious narratives. In the biblical Book of Genesis, Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, killed his brother Abel in a jealous rage. As punishment Cain was exiled by God to a life of wandering.

In this work Watts imagines a conclusion to the narrative as the repentant Cain returns to the sacrificial altar. Under a stormy sky, a comet-like angel sweeps downs to lift his curse. Golden light breaks through the clouds to symbolise this moment of redemption.