#belshazzar's feast

[artandthebible]

Belshazzar's Feast

Artist: John Martin (British, 1789-1854)

Date: 1826

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, United States

Description

Belshazzar's Feast is a biblical story where King Belshazzar of Babylon profanes sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple during a banquet. A ghostly hand writes a doom-laden message on the wall ("MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN"), which the prophet Daniel interprets as the fall of Babylon due to pride. The king is killed that same night

[sensitivedead]

The carpet of Belshazzar

[pmamtraveller]

BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST (1820) by JOHN MARTIN

The painting depicts the biblical story of the writing on the wall from the Book of DANIEL. It is considered one of MARTIN'S most famous and important works, showcasing his trademark style of epic, apocalyptic landscapes and dramatic lighting.

The painting depicts a lavish banquet hall, with the BABYLONIAN king BELSHAZZAR at the head of the table, surrounded by his courtiers and concubines. The scene is set in the midst of a decadent feast, with opulent decorations and extravagant displays of wealth.

In the left side of the painting, a disembodied hand is seen writing on the wall, with the words 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN' appearing in fiery letters. This is the moment when God's judgment is delivered to BELSHAZZAR, foretelling the downfall of his kingdom and the end of his reign.

MARTIN'S use of light is a key element in the painting, with the source of the light coming from a large window behind the writing on the wall. This creates a striking contrast between the brightly lit banquet hall and the dark, ominous figures of the courtiers and the writing on the wall. The use of light also adds to the dramatic and supernatural atmosphere of the scene, emphasizing the divine message being delivered to the king.

MARTIN'S meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate and elaborate decorations of the banquet hall, showcasing his skill as a painter. The use of rich, vibrant colors adds to the opulent and grandiose atmosphere of the scene, further emphasizing the excess and decadence of BELSHAZZAR'S rule.

[yiaah]

John Martin - Le Pandemonium (1841), and Belshazzar's Feast (1820).

[creationfromnothingness]

John Martin: Belshazzar's Feast, 1820

[katebvsh]

Belshazzar’s Feast (1635-1638) by Rembrandt

[clinging-to-the-bars]

[spacehippieface]