John Martin's painting before restoration. Photograph: Tate Photography
Here’s something about the painting’s journey:
After getting soaked in the Tate's worst ever flood, the work had been considered a write-off. Not only was it flaking and dirty, it was in two parts, with a large part of the canvas, showing the volcano, missing completely.
But there was some good news when tissue was pulled away from the painting in 2010, recalled Tate's head of conservation, Patricia Smithen. "Amazingly, the surface was really intact and the figures in the foreground particularly were in really great condition. Shockingly so. It was at that point we started asking if we could undertake a restoration."
What an outstanding result! (Click on image for enhanced viewing)
Here is another of John Martin’s paintings: I think it is displayed in Tate Britain. At first view, I was overcome by the force of the theme and the art. On later visits, I looked for it as for an old friend. Last time it was not to be found, because it was on a temporary exhibition in another gallery.
Click on the image for enhanced viewing and pretend you are in the gallery, looking up and the rocks are falling on you.
- Jesus Himself talks about an apocalyptic judgment awaiting mankind in the end.
If you think these works of art on the apocalyptic theme is outrageously far-fetched, then have a peek at a NASA image. Once again click on the image for a greater impact.
My joy, despite the headache, was reading about imagination, reason, Biblical revelation focusing on heaven.
"No eye has seen no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him - but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (1 Cor. 2:9,10
- At our most creative moment, at our deepest thought, at our highest level, we still cannot fathom eternity.
- Who says reality only exists within the limits of the discovered and measured?
- And He holds out for His children a heaven beyond our imagination.
- What motivation not to rate earth too highly, not to lose heart.
- The certain prospect of heaven for each and every person in Christ, propels us on to love our God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength and people like Jesus loved us: love in action!
