The Destroying Angel 1833

"The Destroying Angel" (1833) by John Martin depicts a dramatic, apocalyptic scene. The ominous, swirling clouds above a city, suggesting a divine judgment, are rendered in a dark, brooding palette. The city below, though not clearly identifiable, is dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the sky. This work, like many of Martin's, explores themes of the sublime and the power of nature, a signature of his artistic style that resonated deeply with audiences of the 19th century. Today, the artwork is housed in The Art Institute of Chicago.