“The Plague of Locusts,” crafted by James Tissot between 1896 and 1900, is a gouache painting emblematic of the Symbolism movement. The substantial piece, measuring 124 x 214 cm, belongs to the genre of religious painting. The artwork distinctly captures a Biblical scene, aligning with its genre and Tissot’s meticulous attention to religious narratives.
In the artwork, two central figures dominate the composition. They stand on an elevated platform, arms raised towards a dramatically tumultuous sky. The primary figure, donning a flowing robe and head covering, holds a staff aloft, symbolizing the invocation of divine intervention. The secondary figure mirrors the gesture, their back towards the viewer, adding a sense of collective plea or command. Behind them, an ancient cityscape stretches into the distance with notable pyramids and architectural structures, indicative of an Egyptian backdrop. The darkened sky overhead contrasts with the lighter tones of the city and figures, emphasizing the impending calamity of locusts, thereby encapsulating the foreboding narrative of the Biblical plague.
