Artwork
Moses dividing the waters of the Red Sea
Moses dividing the waters of the Red Sea is a watercolor work on paper by John Martin. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
John Martin’s watercolour portrays the biblical episode of Moses parting the Red Sea, showing a massive crowd of Israelites traversing a narrow strip of land as the surrounding waters surge dramatically. The composition is dominated by a turbulent sea, a storm‑filled sky, and a distant city shrouded in mist, creating a sense of imminent danger and divine intervention.
Subject & Meaning
The work visualises the Exodus narrative, emphasizing the precarious escape of the Israelites and the miraculous creation of a passage through the sea. By placing the fleeing multitude at the centre of a chaotic natural environment, Martin underscores themes of faith, deliverance, and the stark contrast between human vulnerability and divine power.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece employs vigorous brushstrokes that convey motion and turbulence. Martin contrasts stark light against deep shadows, heightening the drama of the stormy sky and churning waters. The limited palette and fluid washes enhance the atmospheric mist surrounding the distant hilltop city, reinforcing the work’s overall sense of urgency.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was part of Alfred Edward Moxon’s collection, alongside a related composition, before being sold in Bournemouth. In 1924 Thomas Balston acquired both pieces; his catalogue from that year dates the work to 1832, although other sources list its creation as 1850, indicating some uncertainty about its exact date.
Context
Martin, known for his grand, dramatic landscapes, often tackled biblical and historical subjects with a theatrical flair. This watercolour aligns with his broader oeuvre, which sought to evoke awe through expansive, tumultuous scenes, reflecting the 19th‑century fascination with Romanticism and the sublime in nature.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Martin (19 July 1789 – 17 February 1854) was an English Romanticist painter, engraver, and illustrator.
