Artwork
Joshua Ordering the Sun to Stop
Joshua Ordering the Sun to Stop is an ink print by the Baroque artist Antonio Tempesta. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Antonio Tempesta's etching 'Joshua Ordering the Sun to Stop' (1613) is a print that showcases the artist's skill in depicting dynamic scenes. Created during a period when Tempesta worked between Rome and Antwerp, it exemplifies his expertise in engraving.
Subject & Meaning
The etching illustrates a biblical scene in which Joshua commands the sun to halt during a battle, conveying a sense of drama and divine intervention. The chaotic battle scene is populated with figures armed with various weapons, emphasizing the intensity of the moment.
Technique & Style
The print is characterized by intricate lines, textures, and effective use of shading and contrast, which create a sense of depth and dimensionality. These technical qualities are hallmarks of Tempesta's work and contribute to the overall dramatic effect of the scene, aligning with the stylistic tendencies of Baroque art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp.
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