Lot and His Family Led Out of Sodom

Lot and His Family Led Out of Sodom, attributed possibly after Peter Paul Rubens Flemish, 1577-1640, is a compelling preparatory drawing executed in red chalk on tan laid paper. Dating from the highly productive Baroque period between 1597 and 1640, this work captures the dramatic biblical narrative from Genesis 19, illustrating the desperate escape of Lot, his two daughters, and his wife from the divinely condemned city of Sodom. The vigorous application of the red chalk medium emphasizes the urgency and physical exertion of the figures as they flee. This piece reflects the dominant artistic trends of the Southern Netherlands (Belgium) during the 17th century, where dynamic, emotionally charged biblical scenes were highly popular in both preparatory sketches and finished paintings.

Even if created by a talented follower rather than the master himself, the compositional brilliance adheres closely to the style of 1577-1640. Rubens’s characteristic method of emphasizing muscularity and rapid, fluid movement is evident in the sketch. Red chalk was a preferred material for Baroque masters and their workshops for rapid sketching and compositional studies, allowing the artist to capture complex poses and dramatic interactions with immediacy.

The drawing serves as a critical example of Flemish draftsmanship and is part of the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum classification as a drawing provides important insight into the steps involved in producing large-scale oil paintings in the early modern period. Although specific attribution remains complex, the study’s survival demonstrates the lasting influence of the greatest Flemish painters. As a culturally significant artwork, high-quality prints and archival images are frequently made available through the public domain, benefiting scholars and enthusiasts globally.