The Great Day of His Wrath | John Martin | 1853

About the artwork:

"The Great Day of His Wrath" by John Martin, completed in 1851-1853, is a monumental and apocalyptic painting that portrays a cataclysmic scene of divine judgment. This dramatic work depicts the moment of the Last Judgment as described in the Book of Revelation, with fiery clouds engulfing the sky, massive earthquakes rending the earth, and a torrent of destruction unleashed upon humanity. The painting is filled with chaotic and terrifying imagery, including crumbling buildings, fleeing figures, and the looming figure of an avenging angel wielding a sword of divine retribution.

John Martin's meticulous attention to detail and his mastery of light and shadow create a sense of awe and terror, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the divine. The painting's vast scale and dramatic composition convey a sense of imminent doom and the inexorable nature of divine justice. "The Great Day of His Wrath" is a powerful and haunting vision of the end times, reflecting Martin's deep religious beliefs and his fascination with epic and apocalyptic themes. This monumental work continues to captivate viewers with its grandeur and its portrayal of the eternal struggle between good and evil.