Publisher's Synopsis
This catalogue is the first to illustrate and discuss in detail all of the known engraved works by the Romantic British artist John Martin (1789-1854). His spectacular visionary works ranging from 'Belshazzar's Feast' and other apocalyptic subjects from the Bible, to scenes of Heaven and Hell illustrating Milton's great epic poem 'Paradise Lost', electrified the public when they were first seen. Through his prints John Martin became a household name, the word 'Martinesque' being coined to describe scenes of the sublime or of immense conflagration. - - Martin stands apart from most major painters of the time for his mastery of the arts of etching and engraving which enabled him to not only engrave his own designs but, in particular, to create many of his engraved designs directly on the plates from which they were printed, without the aid of preparatory drawings. Martin's exceptionally skillful use of the striking medium of mezzotint engraving, whereby he used the newly invented soft steel printing plates to produce rich velvety blacks and bright white highlights in almost photographic tonal effects, became particularly associated with his work. - - Martin's engravings brought him both widespread fame and considerable fortune but his radical style soon fell from popularity and his work became all but forgotten for over a century and a half. This catalogue, which illustrates for the first time all of Martin's known engraved works, recognises Martin once again as a visionary printmaker and as one of the most important figures of the Romantic movement in this country. - - Based on extensive research into the artist's work, including previously unexplored primary source material, this catalogue is the first publication to illustrate and discuss all of the artist's printed works. It is a comprehensive reference source for the serious collector and an invaluable introduction for those not yet familiar with Martin's work. Also included is a section on the copiers of Martin's engravings by Richard Burnett who is at present producing the first detailed research on this relatively unexplored aspect of Martin's art.
