Tenth Plague of Egypt

Joseph Mallord William Turner and William Say

National Gallery of Art

The image exhibits a somber scene seen from a slightly elevated perspective. Figures are gathered in a dimly lit area. The horizon is in the upper third of the image, with dark buildings meeting a tumultuous sky with faint lightning. Egyptian architectural silhouettes, including pyramids and columned structures, cast shadows. The style is reminiscent of engravings with precise strokes defining forms and details, creating strong light and dark contrasts. The color palette is monochromatic with sepia tones, contributing to a dramatic atmosphere. In the foreground, three distressed figures are surrounded by dark foliage that appears to move in an unseen wind, adding tension to the scene.