"He Turned Their Waters into Blood" c. 1865 - 1880

Erastus Salisbury Field created "He Turned Their Waters into Blood" during a time of significant religious and social change in America. Field was part of the 19th-century folk art movement, where artists often depicted biblical scenes with a blend of literal interpretation and imaginative vision. This painting captures a moment of divine intervention and resistance against oppression. The scene illustrates the biblical plague inflicted upon Egypt, transforming its waters into blood. This narrative symbolizes themes of justice and liberation. The artist presents an emotionally charged depiction of an event deeply rooted in religious and cultural identity. Field infuses the artwork with elements of his own cultural context. He interweaves themes of faith and identity with an emotional intensity that invites reflection on power, oppression, and the quest for freedom. The artwork invites us to reflect on the historical and ongoing struggles for justice and liberation.