Illustration to the “Family Bible” by John Martin (London, James Sangster, 1832)

Abstract

John Martin (1789–1854), the most successful English painter of his day. His sublime pictures earned him a high reputation in the first half of the 19th century, but in his own time he was better known as great illustrator. His engravings are a remarkable phenomenon in English book drawing. The subject of the article is an English tradition of co-relation between literature and fine arts founded by William Hogarth (1697–1764) in the 18th century. The engraving to “Family Bible” by John Martin is analyzed as a continuation of that tradition in the 19th century. Both artists perceived the process of transferring of painting in engraving as possibility to provide additional details, substitute the reading for the work of art on perception of values and concepts in a broader sense and ambiguity. The article discusses not only the problems associated with the rethinking of the value of English artist for the art process of 19th century and talking about the phenomenon of the universality of John Martin’s talent, but also outlines some of the ways for future research.

Keywords:

English art, John Martin, Family Bible, William Hogarth