The Evening of the Deluge 1828

"The Evening of the Deluge" (1828) by John Martin is a dramatic and apocalyptic depiction of the biblical flood. The scene is dominated by a swirling torrent of water, as seen through a towering, rock-hewn archway, with a sliver of light breaking through the storm clouds. The scene highlights Martin’s signature style, characterized by grandiose landscapes and dark, brooding figures, echoing the Romantic movement’s fascination with the sublime. This mezzotint conveys a sense of overwhelming power and impending doom, leaving the viewer to contemplate the destructive force of nature and the fragility of human existence.