I recommend that when you visit a familiar museum, you take
time to randomly select one work and spend 30 minutes with it. Let it speak to you. It will take you to so many places and
leave you very satisfied by the journey.
We live in a world over stimulated by images. I think that 1816 was probably a
simpler time in general to the point that it would be difficult for me to even
imagine. So the first thing I
think is that this guy had one mother fucking amazing imagination. I'm 52 and I've never seen a sky like
that. Have you? He was only 27 when he painted this
canvas.
Here is the shining city, build upon the ruins of antiquity. You see images of medieval castles, the acropolis, even a pyramid. All are just foundations for the ultimate city awash in the light of heaven and the blessings of God.
Streaming from the gates of civilization is an army most ordered and uniform. The army is the epitome of discipline, yet expressing a confidence and an excitement for the battle to come and the victory most assured. Note also that the battle with evil requires the brave army to travel down into the valley--the valley of death for some.
When I was a kid, I loved to doodle; ergo, the lower right corner of the painting and the battle makes me think that John Martin did, too. What patience it must have taken to create the image of this battle with it's thousands and thousands of combatants. We have the luxury of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy...what did 27-year-old John Martin in 1816 have? An amazing imagination!
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