The Burning of Sodom (formerly "The Destruction of Sodom")

By Camille Corot, 1843 and 1857
JPG • 3811 × 1956 PX • 2.0 MB
Curatorial Notes

This dramatic landscape depicts the biblical narrative of the flight of Lot and his family from the doomed city of Sodom. In the foreground, an angel leads Lot and his two daughters away from the impending catastrophe, their figures rendered with a sense of urgent movement. To the right, the silhouette of Lot's wife is visible, having been transformed into a pillar of salt after looking back at the city. The background is dominated by the burning city, where streaks of orange and yellow fire pierce through thick, dark clouds of smoke. Corot utilizes a somber palette and atmospheric lighting to emphasize the divine judgment and the desolation of the scene, showcasing his mastery in blending historical narrative with emotive landscape painting.

Artwork Identification

Title The Burning of Sodom (formerly "The Destruction of Sodom")
Title (PT) O Incêndio de Sodoma (anteriormente "A Destruição de Sodoma")
Title (ES) El incendio de Sodoma (anteriormente "La destrucción de Sodoma")
Artist Camille Corot
Artist Bio The painting depicts the destruction of Sodom, as recounted in the Book of Genesis (Gen 19:15–26). While an angel leads Lot and his two daughters away from the doomed city, another rains down fire and brimstone from heaven. In the background, Lot's wife is seen turned into a pillar of salt, punished for disobeying the divine command not to look back.
Date 1843 and 1857
Work Type Painting

Location & Collection

License Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0
Ars Sancta