The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 1832. by John Martin, 1789-1854

John Martin, 1789-1854
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The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 1832.

Original mezzotint with touches of etching in black ink. 1832. Exceptionally brilliant and rare proof before all lettering. Before the first 'parts' issue as no 8 in the series 'The Bible'. Before any retouching or rework.
Ref: Campbell - John Martin Visionary Printmaker no 99, proof before lettering.

Absolutely superb proof impression with brilliant mezzotint. On stiff cream wove paper. Excellent original condition; slight traces of old corner mounting on the reverse. One 1/4 inch tear in the right blank margin repaired. Trimmed lust on the platemark, with the inner mrgin outside the image complete. Sheet: 10 1/2 x 14 1/8ins (269x358mm).

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(See the notes to 'The Fall of Man'. 1831)

The earliest proofs before lettering of Martin's mezzotints for The Bible series are extremely rare, but when found they show the full brilliance of his extraordinary visionary use of the medium at its absolute finest. The two works 'The Covenant. 1832. and The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah' are amongst the most famous compositions from the series.

See also the notes on Blake inChrist Tempted in the Wilderness. 1824., The Fall of Man.'1831andThe Flood. 1830.