Artwork
The Deluge
The Deluge is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacob More. It is held in the collection of the Tate.
About this work
Overview
Jacob More’s 1794 oil on canvas, titled The Deluge, portrays a violent flood scene. The composition is dominated by a storm‑laden sky and turbulent waters that threaten the figures below. The work is part of the Tate Britain’s collection, where it is displayed as an example of late‑18th‑century religious narrative painting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting visualises a biblical flood, emphasizing human vulnerability amid divine wrath. Groups of figures scramble for safety, clinging to rocks or a small, precarious boat, while the surrounding cliffs loom under a threatening horizon. The chaotic atmosphere underscores themes of survival, judgment, and the overwhelming power of nature.
Technique & Style
More employs vigorous brushwork and a palette of deep blues, grays, and stark whites to convey the storm’s intensity. Thick, impasto clouds and churning waves create a sense of movement, while the contrast between illuminated figures and the darkened sky heightens the drama. The overall approach is expressive, favoring emotional impact over precise detail.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1794, The Deluge entered the public domain through acquisition by the Tate Britain, where it has remained in the museum’s holdings. Its provenance prior to the Tate is not extensively documented, but the work reflects More’s engagement with religious subjects during his later career.
Artist & collection
