The Assuaging of the Waters 

John Martin created this dramatic canvas of “The Assuaging of the Waters” in the 19th century, using oil paints to capture a scene of biblical proportions. Martin's application of paint is crucial here. Note the churning sea, rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes that convey both the power and the retreat of the floodwaters. The dramatic lighting, achieved through layering and glazing of the oil paint, adds to the scene's emotional intensity. Martin’s artistic training was rooted in the traditions of academic painting, but he pushed these boundaries by embracing expressive techniques. In doing so, he was part of a shift away from rigid artistic conventions. His paintings weren't only about telling stories, but also about creating powerful visual experiences. By emphasizing the materiality of the paint and the physical act of its application, Martin transformed a religious subject into something visceral and immediate.