Belshazzars Feast John Martin (1789-1854)

The painting Belshazzars Feast depicts a lavish banquet hall, likely in an ancient Babylonian palace, filled with people in opulent attire. A large feast is spread on tables, and many figures are engaged in revelry. In the background, theres an imposing architectural structure with columns and arches, illuminated by a dramatic, divine light emanating from the left side of the canvas, casting long shadows and creating a sense of awe and foreboding.
The subtexts of the painting are rooted in religious and historical narratives, primarily the biblical account from the Book of Daniel. Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, is shown during a feast where he profaned sacred vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. The divine light symbolizes the divine judgment that descends upon him and his kingdom that very night. The spectral hand writing on the wall, though not explicitly detailed in this particular rendition, is the central event of the story, signifying the kings downfall and the end of his reign, as interpreted by Daniel. The painting therefore conveys themes of hubris, sacrilege, divine retribution, and the transience of power. The contrast between the worldly indulgence of the feast and the impending divine judgment is a key element of its meaning.