The artwork titled “Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon” is a religious painting and cloudscape created by the artist John Martin. This masterful artistic composition portrays the biblical scene where Joshua, leading the Israelites, commands the sun to halt in order to secure victory over their enemies.
The painting is grand in scale and rich in detail, showcasing a dramatic and tumultuous sky dominated by dark, swirling clouds. A stark ray of sunlight breaks through the dense cloud cover, illuminating the city of Gibeon perched atop a rugged cliff. In the foreground, Joshua is depicted authoritatively raising his arm, surrounded by followers and warriors, as vast armies march through the landscape. The use of light and shadow highlights the celestial intervention, emphasizing the divine nature of the event. The imposing architecture of the city contrasts with the rugged terrain, further enhancing the painting’s dramatic atmosphere. This artwork encapsulates the awe-inspiring power and scope of divine intervention as depicted in the biblical narrative.
