'Vision of Ezekiel', David Bomberg

Artwork details

Artist

David Bomberg (1890‑1957)

Title

Vision of Ezekiel

Date 1912

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionssupport: 1143 x 1372 mm frame: 1203 x 1435 x 68 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Purchased with assistance from the Morton Bequest through the Contemporary Art Society 1970

Reference

T01197

Not on display

Display caption

Bomberg was closely associated with the Vorticist group in London. His ability to organise forms into powerful compositions is evident in this painting which was carefully prepared in several preliminary drawings. The subject is taken from the Old Testament and illustrates the occasion when God guided the prophet to a valley full of bones and commanded him to speak. 'There was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together.' Skeletal yet animated the figures appear to emerge from the platform. The brilliant colours emphasise the exultation associated with resurrection. Bomberg may have chosen this text after the sudden death of his mother… (read more)

September 2004