The Destruction of Sodom Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796-1875)

The composition presents a scene of hurried departure under conditions of impending disaster. Here we observe three figures – two women and a child – fleeing from a city engulfed in what appears to be a fiery destruction. The artist has positioned them prominently in the foreground, their movement emphasized by the diagonal lines created by their postures and the terrain they traverse. Their garments are simple and flowing, suggesting vulnerability and haste. One woman gestures forward, seemingly urging the others onward, while the other clutches a bundle containing the child.
The city itself is rendered as a collection of indistinct structures silhouetted against a turbulent sky. The light source appears to emanate from behind this urban area, casting an ominous glow that illuminates the fleeing figures and creates a stark contrast between safety and peril. A solitary figure, clad in dark robes, stands apart from the group, seemingly observing the unfolding catastrophe with a detached air. This individual’s posture suggests either resignation or perhaps divine observation.
The palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted yellows – which contribute to an atmosphere of desolation and anxiety. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, further enhancing the sense of urgency and chaos. The landscape itself is rugged and uneven, adding to the feeling of precariousness and difficulty in their escape.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of divine judgment, moral corruption, and the fragility of human existence. The destruction of the city can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of societal downfall brought about by wickedness. The act of fleeing embodies the desperate search for salvation and refuge from inevitable consequences. The lone figure’s presence introduces an element of contemplation on the nature of justice and the role of the observer in times of crisis. Ultimately, the work conveys a powerful narrative of loss, fear, and the enduring human struggle against forces beyond control.