Large vintage print 'The Plains of Heaven' by John Martin (1789–1854)

Description

Large vintage print 'The Plains of Heaven' by John Martin (1789–1854)

One of a triptych titled The Last Judgement, the paintings were Martin's last major works before his death in 1854. They were exhibited to the public from the time of his death until the 1870s to advertise the sale of prints from engravings of the works, being displayed in galleries and exhibition halls all over the UK, in New York in 1856–57 and in Australia in 1878–79. It has been claimed that up to eight million people viewed the paintings during their extensive tours.

This is the second picture in Martin’s triptych. Unlike the others it is characterised by tremendous tranquillity and harmony. In the central panel, The Last Judgement, the good are shown assembling in ‘the plains of heaven’. The celestial landscape continues into this picture, representing salvation. Martin included a number of poets and artists among the good, who are seen in white on the crest of the hill in the foreground of the picture. Behind them stretches the deep blue expanse of a heavenly lake, filled by the rushing water of the distant falls, and surrounded by majestic mountain scenery.

Provenance - was a gift to the Catholic Conservative academic Dr. Brigid Boardman, author of 'Between Heaven and Charing Cross: The Life of Francis Thompson'.

Measures 86 x 57cm

Collection from Glasgow G41.

Posted: 2 days ago

Ad ID: 1487683172