The Deluge
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows a dramatic scene of a robed figure kneeling on a rock, reaching upward with one arm while the other clutches a dark, swirling mass. The figure’s hair and cloak billow as if caught in a storm. Above them, a decorative border frames griffins and winged lions, adding a sense of chaos and power. The Latin text below translates to *"He divided light from darkness"*—a nod to creation myths. The contrast between light and shadow here is sharp, making the figure stand out against the rough background. Try looking up chiaroscuro next to see how this strong light-dark contrast works in other art.
