Artist Quote by John Milton
“He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend Was moving toward the shore; his ponderous shield Ethereal temper, massy, large and round, Behind him cast; the broad circumference Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views At evening from the top of Fésolè, Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, Rivers or mountains in her spotty globe.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Paradise Lost" (fragment), 1667
The passage uses vivid imagery to compare a massive shield to the moon, suggesting a celestial, awe‑inspiring protection that frames the world like a globe.
In simple terms: A great shield is likened to the moon, encircling the world.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of grand, protective symbols.
Themes
mythology
cosmology
protection
imagery
poetry
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- artistic inspiration
- literary analysis
- visual design
- storytelling
Key Concepts
symbolism
visual metaphor
astronomy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the shield represent in modern contexts?
- How does celestial imagery influence our sense of security?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too abstract for practical application.
