God appears at Babel to disperse the people into different tongues. Process print, 1894, after W. von Kaulbach.

  • Kaulbach, Wilhelm von, 1804-1874.
Date:
5 January 1894
Reference:
20444i
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Description

Bible. O.T. Genesis 11. The fierce king on the throne appears to be Nimrod, surrounded by Mesopotamian style statues, one of which is tumbling down the steps. His people carry on in their terrified idolatry of him, while God appears flanked by two angels (the right-hand angel is Michael, with his flaming sword), obliterating the architecture with light. To the side, a bridge collapses, its confused human load not knowing whether to cling on or slide off. Slaves below are attempting to move a trolley up a ramp, but are prevented from going further by a woman who is screaming into the distance. The lower circle of people is less engaged in the hurly-burly and seems to be divided into groups; the classical serenity of the group on the left, including Renaissance putti eating grapes while riding bulls; the austere old Jews in the centre; and the Roman warriors to the right. In the bottom right-hand corner, two men are beating an old man to death with bricks; in his loosening hand there lies the plan for the completed Tower of Babel

Publication/Creation

London (4 & 5 East Harding Street, Fetter Lane) : Ink photo Sprague & co., 5 January 1894.

Physical description

1 process print : reproduction of a line engraving ; image 37.4 x 45.6 cm

Lettering

The destruction of Babel: the scattering of the people. From a wall painting in the Berlin museum. By Wilhelm von Kaulbach. The Architect, Jan. 5th 1894

Reference

Wellcome Collection 20444i

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