The destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea

The destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea

John Martin

1850

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

The painting depicts a dramatic scene of destruction, with a massive wave crashing down on a group of people in the foreground. The wave is rendered in shades of white and gray, with hints of blue and green, giving it a sense of depth and movement. In the background, a mountain range stretches across the horizon, with a few palm trees scattered throughout. The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of tension and chaos, drawing the viewer's eye to the center of the painting. The figures in the foreground are small and indistinct, but their poses convey a sense of panic and desperation. This painting is a great example of the artist's skill with chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth.

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