From apocalyptic visions to epic panoramas, the work of one of Britain’s most important 19th Century painters goes on show at the Millennium Gallery this summer. Continuing the Great British Art Debate at Museums Sheffield, John Martin: Painting the Apocalypse celebrates the legacy of one of the greatest, yet perhaps least known, artists of the Victorian age.
A pre-eminent figure in the art world of the 1800s, John Martin (1789 – 1854) produced some of the most arresting images of the time. Born in the North East of England, Martin originally trained as a painter of heraldic coats of arms before moving to London in 1806. Taking inspiration from both the grand biblical themes of the Old Testament and the rugged environment of his Northumbrian home, his large-scale works toured the country and found huge popularity with the general public, yet were often dismissed by the artistic elite. As fashions changed and his grand melodramas fell from public favour, Martin’s fortunes declined; yet his creativity never wavered, and he produced some of his most iconic work in the years just prior to his death.
John Martin’s work has long been overshadowed by that of his contemporaries; however, his legacy continues to endure, with his influence seen across popular culture, from the fantastical fiction of Jules Verne to the celluloid spectacle of Cecil B. DeMille.
The first major exhibition of the artist’s work in over 30 years, John Martin: Painting the Apocalypse brings together over 50 of Martin’s paintings from national, regional and private collections. Amongst the large scale works on show will be Belshazzar’s Feast (1820), The Great Day of His Wrath (1851-53) and The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (1852). The exhibition will also include film screenings in the gallery space showcasing how Martin’s paintings continue to inspire the imagery of epic cinema, from the iconic creations of Ray Harryhausen to the blockbusters of Roland Emmerich.
John Martin: Painting the Apocalypse has been co-curated by Tate and the Laing Gallery (Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) as part of the Great British Art Debate. The exhibition debuted at the Laing Gallery, Newcastle in the spring and will go on show at the Millennium Gallery before touring to Tate Britain later this year.
The Great British Art Debate is a partnership project between Tate Britain, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service and Museums Sheffield, supported by The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by the MLA’s Renaissance programme. A four year collaboration, the project explores identity through national and regional art collections.
The exhibition also forms part of Art in Yorkshire – supported by Tate, a year long celebration of the visual arts in 19 galleries throughout Yorkshire. Works from Tate's Collection of historic, modern and contemporary art will be showcased through a compelling programme of exhibitions and events.
