Painter, copperplate engraver, Historical-scenes painter, Illustrator, Etcher, Mezzotintostecher, b. 1789 - d. 1854

John Martin was an English painter, engraver, and illustrator. He was a pioneer in the Romantic movement and gained popularity for melding fantasy with religious allegory. He became an international name, inspiring Romantic artists in England, France, Belgium and beyond.

About John Martin

• Artist name: John Martin


• Alias: Mad Martin


• Profession: Painter, etcher, engraver, illustrator


• Nationality: English

Seen through the mist of ages, the great becomes gigantic…The wonderful swells into the sublime.

John Martin

John Martin was an English painter, engraver, and illustrator who primarily explored religious themes through cityscapes and landscapes with fantastical embellishments. Martin made several engravings of his paintings as well. His 1823 painting The Destruction of the Cities of the Plains is one of his best-known apocalyptic works.

Referred to by his contemporary, English painter Thomas Lawrence, as “the most popular painter of his day,” Martin became an international name during his lifetime. He became especially popular in France and his native Britain.

Related Styles and Movements

• Engraving


• Illustration


• Romanticism


• Historicism

Highlights and Achievements

• In 1833, Martin had reached such international acclaim that he received a knighthood from King Leopold I of Belgium.


• His 1836 pencil-and-watercolor work The Destruction of Pharaoh's Host sold for £758,050 GBP ($944,943 USD) in July 2012 via Christie’s.


• Martin made a name for himself through his Romantic artwork and was a key player in the development of the Romantic movement (1800–1850).

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