Moses Striking Water from the Rock — History & Facts
In Moses Striking Water from the Rock, Jacob Jordaens presents a dynamic scene filled with vibrant colors. The painting depicts Moses in the act of striking a rock, with water gushing forth dramatically. Surrounding him are figures of the Israelites, expressing awe and desperation.
The landscape is rugged, emphasizing the harshness of their journey through the wilderness. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for the Baroque period. Jordaens employs strong contrasts of light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures. The composition is lively, with figures arranged in a diagonal line that leads the viewer's eye to the central action.
The details in the clothing and expressions of the figures showcase Jordaens' skill in capturing human emotion. Jacob Jordaens was a prominent Flemish painter of the Baroque era, known for his vibrant and expressive works. This particular painting reflects the artist’s interest in biblical themes and his ability to convey drama through color and movement. An interesting fact about this work is that it was created during a time when Jordaens was heavily influenced by the works of Rubens, yet he developed his unique style that emphasized the human experience.
Sources: Wikidata Q20179195
More Artworks by Jacob Jordaens

The Temptation of the Magdalene
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The Daughters of Cecrops Finding the Child Erichthonius
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The Entombment
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Portrait of Rogier Le Witer
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Portrait of the artist
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King Candaules of Lydia Showing his Wife to Gyges
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A Bearded Man And a Woman With a Parrot; ‘unrequited Love’
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An academy of a male nude seated
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Christ Healing the Paralytic
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Christus en de overspelige vrouw
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