The Fall of Nineveh
John Martin
(English, 1789–1854)
1829
Medium/TechniqueEtching and mezzotint
DimensionsImage: 53.5 x 81.2 cm (21 1/16 x 31 15/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Clifford S. Ackley in memory of Richard (Dick) Caves
Accession number2020.233
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPrints
Collections
"Mad John Martin," as he was sometimes called, specialized in sweeping spectacles inspired by history, literature, and the Bible. This mezzotint shows the ancient city of Nineveh as it falls to invaders and is set alight by fire from heaven. On the foreground terrace, Sardanapulus, the city’s legendary ruler prepares to commit suicide on a funeral pyre with his concubines. Martin’s paintings and prints seem to anticipate later Hollywood historical film spectacles, such as those by Cecil B. De Mille.
ProvenanceAbout 1980s, purchased at a collectibles fair on the North Shore, MA, by Clifford S. Ackley, Boston; 2020, gift of Clifford S Ackley to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2020)
