Lot and his two Daughters 1646 - 1655

This is an ivory relief depicting ‘Lot and his Two Daughters’ and was made by an unknown artist. This piece captures a poignant scene from the Book of Genesis, reflecting the complex interplay of morality, survival, and family dynamics that have resonated throughout history. The story of Lot, a righteous man, and his daughters fleeing the condemned city of Sodom is laden with cultural and historical weight. The relief invites us to consider the desperation of their situation, having lost everything, and the daughters' subsequent decision to ensure their family’s survival. We see the emotional weight of their actions in their faces. The artist leaves us to question whether the artwork is propagating or challenging traditional interpretations of the story. It is a challenging narrative that asks us to confront uncomfortable aspects of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to preserve their lineage.