The Plains of Heaven

Charles Mottram after John Martin

National Gallery of Art

This print features a vast landscape seen from a high vantage point. Rolling hills filled with greenery wrap around a blue body of water in the center of the print. In the distance, pale blue mountains blend in with the sky. Colorful flowers fill the hill closest to us, below the center of the print. White shapes gather at the top of the hill, appearing to be women in billowing white dresses. One holds a large harp or bow. Some of the women seem to jump off of the hill, becoming translucent wisps against the blue water below them, which is dotted with long, brown boats.