The Tower of Babel and Lot's incest, from a series of scenes of the Genesis with scrolling motifs and grotesque figures on black grounds
Etienne Delaune French
Not on view
Engraving, part of a repetition of a series of six scenes of the Genesis, surrounded by scrolling motifs and grotesque figures on black grounds, created by Étienne Delaune before 1573. This print represents the Tower of Babel, at the center of the composition, under a canopy, on which stand two small fuming urns, symbols of vanity and terrestrial things. The summit of the tower is surrounded by a sort of radiation, illustrating the project under construction, which intended to touch the ceiling. Two birds fly over the tower, possibly also representing the same idea. Under the tower, Delaune represents the episode of Lot and his daughters in a cavern, which is flanked on both sides by a representation of burning Sodom, above which hang two lit lamps, possibly representing vigilance, which are being watched by two undulating serpents, representing sin.
