The Destruction of Sodom by Gustave Doré, Genesis 19:1-29, Bible.Gallery
The Destruction of Sodom created and it was drawn with engraving style.
Artwork Description
The narrative of the two angels who visited Abraham and went on to Sodom unfolds in a poignant scene, masterfully captured in the painting. As evening descended, the angels found a hospitable reception from Lot, who was warned of the impending destruction of the city. Urged to depart swiftly, Lot hesitated, perhaps wavering in faith or influenced by the indifference of his sons-in-law, who scoffed at the warning. Finally, the angels had to intervene with friendly force, seizing Lot and leading him out of the city.
Even outside the city's boundaries, Lot pleaded for the sparing of Zoar, a nearby refuge. His plea was granted, and the painting portrays him anxiously pressing forward with a daughter on each arm, fear etched on his countenance. The dreadful destruction commenced as soon as Lot entered Zoar. A torrent of fire and brimstone rained down from heaven, accompanied by a subsidence of the ground that led the waters of the upper lake to engulf the once fertile and populous plain, now forming the southern portion of the Dead Sea. The portrayal of this cataclysmic event is chilling, with flames engulfing every corner, consuming the guilty cities along with their inhabitants, animals, and possessions. The once thriving population reduced to nothing more than dense clouds of smoke at sunrise.
Amidst this apocalyptic scene stands a figure that evokes deep sympathy—the wife of Lot. Reluctantly following the rescuing angels, she succumbs to temptation and disobeys the command not to look back at Sodom. In a heart-wrenching moment, she pays a heavy price for her hesitation, as the salt and sulphurous rain suffocates and encrusts her body. Her fate is even more tragic than that of the cities, for she was nearly safe, just steps away from escaping the devastation when the storm overtook her. The painting serves as a poignant reminder, echoing the words of our Saviour, "Remember Lot's wife," cautioning against faltering in the face of salvation, for almost saved is not truly saved. The artist adeptly captures the horror and urgency of the moment, leaving a lasting impression of the consequences of doubt and disobedience amidst divine warnings.