Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Burning Fiery Furnace
- Original dimensions
- 91.8 x 70.8 cm
- Museum
- Tate
- Year
- 1832
Scene depicted
The painting depicts the trial of the three young men burned alive for their faith. At the heart of the horror, Turner portrays a flamboyant apocalypse where divine power manifests in the chaos of fire. The soldiers, frozen in fear, contrast with the calm courage of the protagonists, offering a poignant glimpse into the great struggle between faith and tyranny.
Historical context
Created in 1832, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Burning Fiery Furnace took shape within the flamboyant framework of the Romantic movement in London. This powerful composition, currently on display at the Tate museum, embodies intense emotions, where light and atmosphere speak of a narrative that is both ancient and timeless. Turner, as a master of light, immerses us in a moment of dramatic tension through his captivating dimensions.
Place in the artist's career
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Burning Fiery Furnace represents a major turning point in Turner’s career, combining increased technical mastery with profound expressiveness. His earlier works, such as The Fighting Temeraire and Rain, Steam and Speed , foreshadow this feat where light and matter merge to create a visual symphony.
Anecdote
“I seek to capture the very essence of emotion.” This quote, although reinvented, could reflect Turner’s passion during the creation of his masterpiece . Imagine him, standing before his easel on a misty morning, inspired by biblical tales and the dance of flames. This painting is a testament to his quest for the sublime, where each brushstroke reveals a harsh beauty.