The Daughters of Jerusalem Weeping by the Waters of Babylon (1834)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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The Daughters of Jerusalem Weeping by the Waters of Babylon (1834) is a compelling artwork by John Martin. This piece invites viewers into a poignant scene set against the historic backdrop of Babylon, capturing a moment rich in emotional depth and narrative.The painting depicts a group of figures, presumed to be the daughters of Jerusalem, gathered mournfully by the waters. Their postures and expressions convey a deep sorrow, reflective of their exile and separation from their homeland. The flowing waters that they are gathered by likely symbolize the rivers of Babylon, reinforcing the themes of loss and displacement derived from the biblical Psalms.Martin’s mastery is evident in the atmospheric use of light and shadow that adds a dramatic intensity to the scene. The landscape is rendered in somber tones, with the architectural forms of Babylon rising starkly in the background. Palm trees lightly sway, adding a subtle contrast to the otherwise stark mood.This artwork not only showcases Martin's skill in creating visually striking landscapes but also his ability to weave profound human emotions into the fabric of his works.
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John Martin was an English Romantic painter, engraver and illustrator. He was celebrated for his typically vast and melodramatic paintings of religious subjects and fantastic compositions, populated with minute figures placed in imposing landscapes. Martin's paintings, and the prints made from them, enjoyed great success with the general public—in 1821 Thomas Lawrence referred to him as "the most popular painter of his day"—but were lambasted by John Ruskin and other critics.