The Destruction of Pharaoh's Host

Before a vast expanse of sea and sky, Moses raises high his staff, summoning a wave to engulf the barely discernible soldiers, horses, and chariots of the pharaoh's army. Safe ashore at right, the Israelites look on in awe at the miracle, described in Exodus 14:26-31. The present drawing is a highly representative work by the English Romantic artist John Martin (1786-1864), who was admired by the public for his dramatic compositions featuring minute figures in sweeping, apocalyptic landscapes.