The painting “Leviathan” by Dmytro Baryshev is an allegory of immense chaos and inevitability, interacting with humanity and nature. Rooted in biblical and mythological traditions, Leviathan embodies boundless power and unfathomable chaos. On the canvas, it is depicted as a colossal, intricate, and living entity filled with details, as if composed of intertwined stories, events, and conflicts united into a single whole. It represents the elemental, untamed force of nature that vastly exceeds human scales and predates humanity itself.
 
In a modern interpretation, Leviathan symbolizes the state or system that overwhelms individuals with its magnitude and complexity. At the same time, the artist delves into the duality of nature, where destruction becomes a form of transformation. Fiery tones in the composition amplify the sense of catastrophe and purification, hinting at the cyclical nature of renewal. Small human figures depicted alongside Leviathan emphasize its grandeur and symbolize humanity’s helplessness in the face of the forces of nature and the cosmos. The bright celestial tones of the background create a sense of cosmic space, reinforcing Leviathan’s place in the universal order. It is presented not only as a physical entity but also as the embodiment of something limitless and incomprehensible, beyond human control.
 
Leviathan seems to drift between two worlds: the material, earthly dimension, and the divine realm associated with higher values, truth, and eternity. Within the creature are two key symbols—the philosophical square and the Chalice of Jesus. The square represents stability, order, and human understanding, maintaining the structure of the material world, while the chalice, linked to Christian tradition, symbolizes spiritual redemption and eternal life. Its presence within Leviathan introduces the concept of purification and rebirth, emphasizing that even in chaos, spiritual meaning can be found.
 
Dmytro Baryshev’s painting “Leviathan” is a profound philosophical work that explores humanity’s relationship with nature, the inevitability of change, and the search for harmony within chaos. It invites viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence, where destruction and rebirth intertwine as integral parts of life.