John Martin
Apocalypse Now!
by BARBARA C. MORDEN
ISBN 9781904794998
John Martin's many influential works brought him great popularity in his lifetime. His paintings inspired film makers, designers and artists in Europe and America.
“Barbara C. Morden’s excellent book brings John Martin to life – a man whose apocalyptic painting have been such a model and inspiration. John Martin can indeed be called the ‘father’ of modern cinema.”
Ray Harryhausen, pioneering special effects film designer, and stop-motion animator (Clash of the Titans, 1981)
Establishing the context of Martin's youth in rural Northumberland, his career in London and subsequent national and international fame, Barbara Morden captures the apocalyptic mood in England from the 1790s to the 1840s and examines Martin's central position as a painter of the "sublime". The distinctive character of his work is explored in terms of his techniques, devices and subject matter through key paintings and through their relationship to the culture and of popular entertainment of the time. Influencing 19th century railway and public architecture, Martin's reputation spread to Europe and America, going on to determine the course of early 20th century cinema and to anticipate inter-active mass media in the 21st century. This book establishes John Martin as an important figure in cultural history, who shaped the way we view and respond to the modern world.
Dr Barbara C. Morden’s beautifully illustrated book about John Martin makes an important contribution to the revival of national and international interest in the artist.