Guido Reni – Lot and his Daughters leaving Sodom Part 3 National Gallery UK

The composition centers around a group of three figures emerging from deep shadow into a pool of light. A mature man, his face etched with worry and age, stands at the visual core. He is framed by two younger women positioned on either side of him. The woman to the left holds a vessel – likely an amphora or similar container – and gazes downwards, her expression conveying a mixture of apprehension and resignation. Her attire consists of a green tunic draped over a lighter undergarment, with a golden headband adorning her hair.
The figure on the right mirrors this posture, though her gaze is directed towards the man, suggesting a plea or an appeal for reassurance. She wears a flowing orange robe layered over a pale pink shift, and her hair is similarly bound with gold. The man’s attire is striking: a vibrant red cloak dominates his presence, contrasting sharply with the muted tones of the womens garments and the surrounding darkness. His beard is long and unkempt, contributing to an overall impression of distress and urgency.
The artist employs chiaroscuro – a dramatic contrast between light and dark – to heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. The figures are illuminated from a source that remains outside the frame, creating deep shadows that obscure much of the background and focus attention on their faces and gestures. This technique emphasizes their vulnerability and isolation.
The subtext of this depiction seems to revolve around themes of departure, obedience, and familial duty. The man’s posture suggests he is leading his daughters away from a place of danger or moral corruption. The womens expressions hint at reluctance or fear regarding the unknown future that awaits them. The vessel held by one of the women could symbolize sustenance, memory, or perhaps even a connection to their past life.
The color palette reinforces these themes: the red cloak on the man evokes a sense of authority and responsibility, while the green and orange hues of the women’s clothing suggest hope mingled with uncertainty. The overall effect is one of quiet drama – a moment suspended between loss and anticipation.