The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army 1792

Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg created this oil on canvas painting, The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army, sometime in his career. It’s easy to read this biblical scene as a straightforward depiction of divine power, but in 18th century Europe, it resonated with contemporary political ideas. Paintings like this one were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious institutions, shaping the artist's vision and influencing the subject matter. De Loutherbourg was working in a revolutionary moment, and images of liberation from tyranny would have been highly charged. The painting visualizes the triumph over oppression, with Moses as a heroic figure leading his people to freedom. By studying the cultural and political context in which this painting was made, we can better understand its deeper meanings and its impact on society at the time. Historical texts, letters, and other primary sources are essential to discovering the complex layers of the image.