Lot (Lotto)
Lorenzo Lotto·c. 1518
Historical Context
Lot by Lotto, part of the Bergamo intarsia cycle, depicts the nephew of Abraham whose story in Genesis includes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lotto’s treatment of this morally complex narrative demonstrates his willingness to engage with difficult scriptural subjects within the church decorative program. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays nervous, charged atmosphere in portraits, symbolic objects placed with enigmatic purpose, eclectic absorption of influences from Germany, Raphael, and Giorgione, restless spatial invention.
Technical Analysis
The figure is rendered with Lotto’s characteristic directness and bold coloring. The intarsia design emphasizes clear outlines and strong tonal contrasts for visual impact at distance.
