Description
The painting The Flight of Lot, by Dutch artist Nicolaes Maes, is an impressive work depicting the flight of the biblical character Lot and his family from the city of Sodom, which was being destroyed by fire and brimstone. This work, which measures 108 x 95 cm, was painted in the 17th century and is a sample of the Dutch Baroque artistic style.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, as Maes uses a diagonal perspective to create a sense of movement in the scene. Lot and his family are running to the right of the painting, while the burning city of Sodom can be seen on the left. The dark and threatening sky, as well as the light emanating from the flames, create an atmosphere of tension and drama in the work.
As for color, Maes uses a palette of dark, earthy tones, which contrast with the fire and flames of the city. The characters are dressed in dark and gray toned clothing, giving them a somber and dramatic look.
The story behind the painting is also very interesting. The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom is one of the best-known stories in the Old Testament, and has been depicted in art throughout the centuries. In Maes's painting, one can see the influence of other Dutch artists of the time, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Maes used his own wife and son as models to represent Lot's family in the work. This adds a personal and emotional touch to the painting, as Maes's family is literally fleeing destruction.
In short, The Flight of Lot is an impressive work that showcases the talents of Nicolaes Maes as a Dutch Baroque artist. The composition, the color and the story behind the painting make it a fascinating and meaningful work.