The artist's “Vision” is a painting of many meanings. The predominant interpretation of the symbol of the serpent as the embodiment of evil is emphasized by the darkening sun in the background of the composition.

This painting is most often identified with theosophical philosophy because the covers of most theosophical journals and books typically depict the same graphic image – a graphic T (T-shaped cross) wrapped around by a serpent in the shape of the letter 'S'. These two shapes are the principal letters in the word 'theosophy' and they were thus used for the simplified emblem of this teaching. However, in Čiurlionis' “Vision”, the serpent does not resemble an 'S'. What is more, it is hardly likely that Čiurlionis, an artist who was interested in many of the general and abstract problems of the world, would suddenly undertake such a formal and pointless portrayal of the emblem of the theosophical movement.

This painting can be linked to the Old Testament tale of the cross and copper serpent erected by Moses in the desert. Čiurlionis refuses to depict any kind of literal narrative, opting to only portray the symbol of the biblical event itself.

All

All

Composition

The Goat

Deluge. III from the cycle of 5 paintings

Deluge. V from the cycle of 5 paintings

Vision. From the cycle of 10 paintings “Fantasies”.