Francesco Furini
Lot’s Wife, c. 1640-1645, oil on canvas
The painting, bought by Horne in 1908, belongs to Francesco Furini’s late production. It illustrates the story of Lot, the grandson of Abraham, who flees with his family from the burning city of Sodom. According to the biblical account, Lot’s wife, although admonished not to turn back, disobeys and so is transformed into a statue of salt. Only Lot and the two daughters who reach the city of Zoar are saved. Note the view of the burning city of Sodom on the opposite side, where the reference to Florence is evident.
