Artwork
Lot and his Daughters
Lot and his Daughters is a print by Luigi Schiavonetti. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This print, titled *Lot and his Daughters*, is a reproduction by Luigi Schiavonetti of a painting originally by Guido Reni, once part of the Marquis of Lansdowne's collection. It depicts a scene with three central figures set against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a biblical narrative, though the specific story elements are not immediately visually conveyed beyond the identification of the subjects.
The print illustrates a biblical narrative, though the specific story elements are not immediately visually conveyed beyond the identification of the subjects. The interaction between the figures—a bearded older man (Lot) flanked by two women (his daughters)—suggests a moment of contemplation or decision, with one daughter expressing concern through her touch and the other through her serious gaze.
Technique & Style
The print employs strong chiaroscuro, characterized by dramatic contrasts between light and dark, which enhances the emotional intensity of the scene and highlights the subjects' faces. This technique, along with soft shading, is a direct stylistic inheritance from the original painting by Guido Reni.
History & Provenance
Originally based on a painting by Guido Reni, the work was once owned by the Marquis of Lansdowne. The print version was created by Luigi Schiavonetti, indicating a reproduction made to disseminate the image more widely.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro and the subject matter place the original painting, and by extension the print, within the broader context of Baroque art's emphasis on emotional depth and religious themes. The choice of subject also reflects the ongoing interest in biblical narratives in European art.
Legacy
While the direct legacy of this specific print is not detailed, it contributes to the broader dissemination of Guido Reni's work and the enduring influence of Baroque stylistic elements in later artistic reproductions and interpretations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Luigi Schiavonetti (1765–1810) was an Italian artist, born in Bassano del Grappa.
