I was browsing the CGFA art site again because I wanted to do another artist post and I discovered the name of the artist that deeply moved me when I first saw his art in the Tate Gallery in London. I still have the photos I secretly took when I was only 20. I have looked at those photos from time to time since and have often wondered who could paint such scenes and why he did it. Now I know--John Martin, (1789-1854). He was an English Victorian artist of rare ability. He was not appreciated by the art world at the time, but was loved by the commoners.
These were the three huge pieces of artwork that just astonished me in London:
The Last Judgement, 1845
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The Great Day of His Wrath, 1851-1853
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The Great Day of His Wrath, was intended to be hung to the right of The Last Judgment, and continues the theme of destruction and damnation depicted on the right side of the central image.
The Book of Revelation describes a scene that is painted by Martin: "... and, lo, there was a great earthquake and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair and the moon became as blood. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." The collapsing pile of rocks to the right of the painting are the buildings of an entire city falling into an abyss.
When you click this one to see the larger scene, you will see just how detailed this one is. It is almost as large as the previous one and just as terrifying in its subject matter.
The Plains of Heaven, 1851
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This last one from John Martin I thought was downright astonishing. I have never seen this one up close, but I am so grateful for the technology available to me so that I can see it up close here.
Belshazzar's Feast, 1821
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So that is just a little bit of John Martin's work. Had you ever heard about him? Wiki has a good write up about him that was full of fascinating details about his life. I'd love to see his artwork up close again. It moved me then and looking at it here, it moves me now. How a person can convey the depth he does is truly beyond my scope of understanding!
So what do you think of John Martin's work?
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1 comment:
I never have heard of him, but wow -- they are amazing works! Yes, after the chaos of the others, the peaceful feeling of The Plains of Heaven is exactly what I'd imagine heaven to be like.
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