Description
The painting Loth and his Daughters, created by German artist Albrecht Altdorfer, is a Renaissance masterpiece that has captivated art lovers for centuries. This 107.5 x 189 cm work depicts the biblical story of Lot and his daughters fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction.
In terms of artistic style, Altdorfer was a master of the German Renaissance who was noted for his use of light and color to create dramatic effect in his works. In Loth and his Daughters, the artist uses a detailed and realistic painting technique, with an emphasis on texture and detail.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with a central scene showing Lot and his daughters fleeing the burning city, while the total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah can be seen in the background. The arrangement of the characters and the perspective used by Altdorfer create a sense of depth and movement in the work.
The use of color in Loth and his Daughters is another interesting aspect. The artist uses bright, warm tones to depict the fire and destruction in the city, while the characters are dressed in softer, more natural colors. This color contrast technique helps bring out the dramatic tension in the scene.
Regarding the history of the painting, it is believed that it was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I of Habsburg to decorate his castle in Innsbruck. The work was completed in 1530 and is considered one of Altdorfer's most important works.
Finally, a little known aspect of Loth and his Daughters is that the painting was stolen by the Nazis during World War II and taken to Hermann Göring's art collection. After the war, the work was recovered and returned to its original location in the Innsbruck castle. This historical fact gives the painting even greater value and makes it a work of art that represents the fight against oppression and injustice.