John Martin (1789-1854)

The Destroying Angel; and Esau selling his Birthright

Details

John Martin (1789-1854)
The Destroying Angel; and Esau selling his Birthright
the first signed with initials and dated 'J M 1833' (lower right) the second signed with initials and dated 'J.M. 1833' (lower left)
pencil, brown wash
3½ x 5½ in. (8.8 x 14 cm.)
a pair (2)

Provenance

Anon. sale, Sotheby's London, 6 February 1862, lot 131 and 135.
Royal Dublin Society.

Engraved

(1) W.H. Powis, engraving, for R.Westall and J. Martin, Illustrations of the Bible, Edward Churton, 1835, no. 33.
(2) A. Landells, engraving, for R.Westall and J. Martin, Illustrations of the Bible, Edward Churton, 1835, no.18.

Lot Essay

Martin executed 48 drawings for illustrations of the Bible, all of which were based on Old Testament subjects. Esau selling his Birthright is the subject of Martin's final oil painting before his death in 1854.

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