William Bell Scott

The Eve of the Deluge

1865

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Not on display

Artist: William Bell Scott 1811–1890
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 324 × 445 mm
frame: 620 × 745 × 115 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Miss Alice Boyd 1891
Reference: N01322

Display caption

William Bell Scott was the son of a Scottish engraver. He came to London in the 1830s where he practised as an engraver and also exhibited pictures. He had close contact with the Pre-Raphaelites and their circle, chiefly through his friendship with Dante Gabriel Rossetti. In this picture he contrasts the debauched eastern prince and his court with Noah and his family who, only too aware of the significance of the ominous cloud in the sky, are entering the Ark.

Gallery label, August 2004

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