Clytie

Clytie from 1814 by John Martin depicts the mythological nymph who was transformed into a sunflower after being abandoned by the sun god Apollo. This early classical subject shows Martin working in the mythological tradition before he developed his mature apocalyptic style. Martin, largely self-taught, created apocalyptic visions on an unprecedented scale, filling enormous canvases with architectural fantasy and cosmic drama that made him briefly the most popular painter in Britain.

The mythological figure is set within a landscape that already shows Martin's interest in dramatic atmospheric effects and expansive natural settings.