Lot and His Daughters (?) 1600 - 1700

This drawing, titled “Lot and His Daughters (?)”, resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was rendered by an anonymous artist. The drawing depicts a biblical scene rife with complex themes of morality, survival, and familial relations. The narrative, drawn from the Book of Genesis, involves Lot and his daughters fleeing the destruction of Sodom. As they seek refuge, the daughters, fearing the end of their lineage, conspire to intoxicate their father and engage in incestuous acts to ensure the continuation of their family line. The composition, though classically rendered, is emotionally charged with the weight of decisions made under duress. The ambiguity in the title suggests a reluctance to fully endorse a narrative that challenges conventional morality. Instead, it invites contemplation on the desperate measures taken when faced with annihilation, and the difficult choices people make when survival is at stake.