Plate 11: Joshua Ordering the Sun to Stand Still, from 'The Battles of the Old Testament'

Art Historical Context

This dynamic etching captures a pivotal moment from the Old Testament book of Joshua, where the Israelite leader commands the sun to stand still, granting his army extra daylight to defeat the Amorites. Created around 1590–1610 by Antonio Tempesta and published by Nicolaus van Aelst, the print belongs to a larger series titled *The Battles of the Old Testament*. It brings biblical drama vividly to life through a swirling composition of charging horses, clashing soldiers, and raised weapons. As an etching, the work showcases the medium’s ability to render fine detail and energetic movement on a modest scale. Tempesta, active in Rome during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, was celebrated for his lively battle scenes that combined historical accuracy with theatrical energy. Such prints allowed wider audiences to engage with sacred stories outside church walls, blending religious instruction with the excitement of military spectacle. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Elisha Whittelsey Collection in 1951, this sheet remains a compelling example of how 16th- and 17th-century artists used printmaking to make ancient narratives feel immediate and alive.

About the Artist

Nicolaus van Aelst|Antonio Tempesta · 1525–1615

Flemish, Brussels 1526–1613 Rome|