Lot and His Daughters

Art Historical Context

**Lot and His Daughters** is a striking engraving by Dutch artist Jan Harmensz Muller, created around 1600. Drawing from the biblical tale in Genesis 19, it depicts Lot fleeing the destruction of Sodom with his daughters, who later intoxicate him to preserve their lineage—a morally charged narrative that fascinated Renaissance artists for its blend of piety, drama, and human frailty. Muller's composition captures the intimate, shadowy aftermath, rendered with exquisite detail on a generous sheet of ivory laid paper measuring 42.3 × 46.5 cm. As a master engraver trained under Cornelis van Haarlem and influenced by Hendrick Goltzius, Muller exemplified Northern Mannerism's elegant linework and dynamic poses. Engraving, an intaglio technique where intricate lines are incised into a copper plate and inked under pressure, allowed for precise reproductions of paintings, making complex artworks accessible to collectors across Europe. The ivory laid paper—its subtle tone and textured chain lines—enhances the luminous quality, showcasing Muller's skill in modulating light and texture through cross-hatching. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this work highlights the Dutch Golden Age's printmaking prowess, bridging religious storytelling with artistic innovation. Visitors will appreciate how Muller's engraving not only disseminates a provocative biblical scene but also elevates print as fine art, inviting reflection on faith, survival, and desire.

About the Artist

Jan Harmensz. Muller · 1571–1628

Comment on works: Printer and Draughtsman