Artwork
Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38)
Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38) is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Frans Francken the Younger. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1601 by Frans Francken the Younger, this oil painting illustrates the biblical episode of Lot and his daughters from Genesis 19:30‑38. Executed in the Flemish Baroque style, the work is part of the Prado Museum’s collection and reflects Francken’s broader interest in religious narratives and the nascent genre of cabinet‑size collector pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents Lot seated at a modest table with his two daughters, one holding a glass and the other serving food. The scene captures the moment after the destruction of Sodom, emphasizing themes of survival, familial duty, and the moral ambiguity that follows the biblical account.
Technique & Style
Francken employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using subtle contrasts of light and shadow to model the figures and give depth to the surrounding landscape. The careful rendering of textures—such as the sheen of the glass, the fabric of the women’s garments, and the foliage in the background—enhances the painting’s realistic atmosphere.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the work entered private collections before being acquired by the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces a typical path for Flemish Baroque paintings, moving from regional patrons to a national museum in Spain.
Context
Frans Francken the Younger belonged to a prolific artistic dynasty and was active during a period when Flemish painters were integrating Italianate influences with local traditions. This painting exemplifies his ability to blend narrative detail with the intimate scale favored by collectors of the early 17th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Frans Francken the Younger (1581, Antwerp – 6 May 1642, Antwerp) was a Flemish painter and the best-known and most prolific member of the large Francken family of artists.
