Artwork

Lot and His Daughters

Lot and His Daughters, by Unknown, oil, 1700
Lot and His Daughters, by Unknown, oil, 1700

Lot and His Daughters is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum. The canvas portrays a central male figure flanked by two women, each positioned on opposite sides.

About this work

Overview

The canvas portrays a central male figure flanked by two women, each positioned on opposite sides. The man’s expression is solemn, and he is clothed in dark garments, while the women wear lighter attire. The overall composition is dominated by a muted palette of browns and blacks, with visible brushwork adding surface texture.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the biblical episode of Lot and his daughters, a narrative in which the patriarch is shown in a reflective mood amid his offspring. The contrast between the somber male figure and the brighter‑clothed women underscores the emotional tension inherent in the story.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a restrained color scheme that emphasizes chiaroscuro. The artist’s brushstrokes remain discernible, contributing a tactile quality to the figures and background, and reinforcing the work’s dramatic mood.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum, where it is displayed for public viewing. Its acquisition details and earlier ownership are not specified in the available information.

Context

The depiction aligns with a long tradition of interpreting the Lot narrative in Western art, often focusing on themes of survival and moral ambiguity. The work’s dark tonalities and intimate grouping reflect the period’s interest in psychological depth within biblical subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Brooklyn Museum

Museum

Brooklyn Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Brooklyn Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.