Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon 

John Martin’s “Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon” is an oil painting that presents a dramatic biblical scene. Martin applied the paint in such a way that the texture adds to the visual drama of the scene. The impasto technique—where paint is laid on thickly—gives the mountains and turbulent skies a palpable presence. The inherent qualities of the oil paint, its viscosity and luminosity, are fully exploited to create a scene that feels both real and otherworldly. The artist applied traditional artistic techniques with an emphasis on light, shadow, and atmospheric perspective to give the work a sense of depth and scale. It's also important to consider the social context in which Martin was working. The industrial revolution was in full swing, and there was huge public interest in science and religion. By emphasizing materials and making, we can more fully appreciate the significance of this popular artist's work, understanding how it both reflected and shaped the cultural values of its time.