The poetics of the British myths and legends in the creative works by John Martin

Abstract

The article analyses the heritage of an English artist John Martin (1789–1854). This research work continues the article «Past and present of Northumberland: John Martin — an architect of future» published in «Vestnik of St. Petersburg University», Issue 2, 2013. The article addresses philosophical and figurative connection of Martin’s art with the poetic world of British myths, Scottish legends and their influence on creative works being also analysed. It discusses the problem of attribution of a picture «Island of Man». The trilogy of the pictures «The Last Judgment» is considered as a synthesis of Christian and Celtic pagan ideas. The article discusses the problems associated with the rethinking of the role of the English artist in the art process of XIX century and reveals the universality of John Martin’s talent, moreover it outlines some ways for future research.

Keywords:

English art, John Martin, the Bard, Macbeth, King Arthur and Aegle, Island of Man, Kilmeny, The Last Judgment, The Great Day of His Wrath, The Plains of Heaven