Moses brings forth Water out of the Rock

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This painting is one of a pair that depicts episodes from the Book of Exodus, which describes how Moses rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and accompanied them into the promised land of Canaan. Moses brings forth Water out of the Rock is based on Exodus 17: 1–7. It shows the Israelites near Rephidim – their colourful tents are in the background to the left. Moses had led them out of slavery in Egypt, but their desperation grew as their water supply diminished. Two women on the left seem to be quarrelling, while two elderly men threaten Moses. Tired of their complaints, Moses calls for God, who tells him to strike his rod against the rock at Horeb. Moses obeys, and water miraculously springs from the stone. In the right half of the picture, the Israelites drink from the gushing stream.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Moses brings forth Water out of the Rock

Date

about 1500

Medium

Oil and egg on canvas, transferred from wood

Measurements

H 78.1 x W 137.8 cm

Accession number

NG4904

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by Sir Henry Bernhard Samuelson, Bt, in memory of his father, 1937

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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