Master of the Lille Sermon; The Burning of Sodom; ca. 1550-1575; oil on panel; 17 1/2 in. x 28 1/8 in. (44.5 cm. x 71.5 cm.); In The Burning of Sodom a high horizon line combines with an elevated foreground to reveal a sweeping panorama鈥攁 composition favored by Flemish painters of the time. Color helps define depth; with a reddish brown hue in the foreground; followed by green and blue shades in the middle and background. In the Book of Genesis; the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed when God condemned their inhabitants for their lascivious lifestyles. Angels were sent to the city of Sodom; but unable to find ten righteous people there to rescue; they called upon Lot; Abraham's nephew; and led him and his family from the city. The only stipulation was that they must not look back at their burning home. When Lot's wife disobeyed; she was turned into a pillar of salt. Two distraught daughters got Lot drunk; as seen in the foreground; and then enticed him to father their children.