Moses Striking the Rock

Moses Striking the Rock

Nicolas Poussin

1633

oil

From the collection of National Galleries Scotland

About this work

This painting depicts a scene from the Bible, with Moses striking a rock to bring forth water. The scene is set in a desert landscape with mountains in the background. Moses is shown wearing a long robe and holding a staff, while the people around him are dressed in ancient clothing. In the foreground, people are gathered around the rock, some of them kneeling or sitting on the ground. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and expectation, as the people wait for the water to flow from the rock. The painting is done in oil paint, with vivid colors and detailed brushwork. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of Moses. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up chiaroscuro.

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