“Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still,” created by John Martin in 1840, is a masterful example of Romanticism regarding its art movement. This religious painting can be found in the Yale Centre for British Art at Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut.
The artwork illustrates the biblical story of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still to prolong the daylight hours as depicted in the Book of Joshua. In this dramatic and grandiose scene, dark, powerful storm clouds dominate much of the sky, dissipating to reveal beams of sunlight shining through, adding a divine atmosphere to the depiction. The dark, rocky terrain below contrasts starkly with the vibrant lighting, enhancing the tension present in the battle beneath them. The dramatic use of light captures a pivotal moment, showcasing John Martin’s skill in conveying dramatic scenes and the sublime nature of divine intervention.