The Fifth Plague of Egypt

J. M. W. Turner1800

Details

Title: The Fifth Plague of Egypt
Creator Lifespan: 1775 - 1851
Creator Nationality: British
Creator Gender: Male
Creator Death Place: Chelsea
Creator Birth Place: London
Date Created: 1800
Type: oil paintings
Rights: Gift in memory of Evan F. Lilly
External Link: http://www.imamuseum.org/mercury/load-artwork/930
Medium: oil on canvas
wall label: This dark, tempestuous painting marks the rise of Turner as a full-fledged Romantic painter. Relying on vast scale, dynamic movement, and dramatic subject, his composition appeals primarily to the emotions to communicate its message. Turner's motive for painting this canvas, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1800, may have been a desire to impress British critics and viewers with his ability to handle serious themes. However, it does appear that the young painter mistitled his picture, as this canvas actually depicts the seventh plague of Egypt, when Moses stretched his arms toward heaven, and thunder, hail and fire rained on the pharaoh and his people.
measurements: 48 x 72 in.
Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner

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