Who painted Lot and his Daughter?

Lot and his Daughter was painted by Jan Matsys in 1563.

Where can I see Lot and his Daughter?

Lot and his Daughter is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Lot and his Daughter?

Lot and his Daughter is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Lot and his Daughter?

Museum-quality prints of Lot and his Daughter are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lot and his Daughter

Jan Matsys , 1563

Lot and his Daughter is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jan Matsys. It dates from 1563 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1563, this oil painting by Jan Matsys portrays a moment from the biblical narrative of Lot and his daughters after the fall of Sodom. The composition centers on three figures seated near a rocky outcrop, with a distant village and cloud‑filled sky forming the backdrop. The work is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s collection in Vienna.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures the aftermath of Sodom’s destruction, focusing on Lot, his elder daughter in a vivid red garment, and a younger daughter. The older woman appears startled as Lot leans toward her, suggesting a whispered warning, while the younger daughter kneels calmly, holding a metal cup, grapes, and fruit, symbols often linked to fertility and survival.

Technique & Style

Matsys employs a clear, narrative-driven approach characteristic of Flemish Renaissance painting, yet the handling of light and shadow hints at emerging Baroque sensibilities. Subtle chiaroscuro models the faces, giving them volume, while the detailed rendering of textiles, foliage, and architectural elements reflects his meticulous draftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Jan Matsys, a prominent mid‑16th‑century Flemish artist known for history scenes and nudes, executed this work during a period of increasing interest in biblical subjects. The painting entered the holdings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s extensive Flemish collection.

Context

The composition aligns with a broader European fascination with Old Testament stories that offered moral and didactic content. Matsys’ treatment of the Lot narrative parallels contemporary Italian early Baroque trends, integrating dramatic gesture and emotional expression while retaining the precise detail valued in Northern Renaissance art.