John Martin (1789-1854). Painter of historical scenes and landscape often working on a very large scale. Many of his major works were exhibited separately. Born in Northumberland and apprenticed to a coach painter in Newcastle. Studied painting with Boniface Musso. Went to London in 1806 working as a painter of china. Exhibited at the Royal Academy 1811-1852. Attracted critical attention with his Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still (1816). Engraved many of his own works, contributing to the spread of his popularity. Work attacked by Ruskin (see Ruskin and Martin).
The French Romantics painters were influenced by Martin's grandiose biblical scenes which included small figures set in fantastic landscape and architectural environments with dramatic skies. Also a watercolourist and book illustrator, he illustrated Milton's Paradise Lost. Fading popularity revived by his painting of the Coronation of Queen Victoria in 1839. Sometimes referred to as 'Mad Martin', probably from a confusion with his insane brother Johnathan, who tried to burn down York Minster.