Moses Striking the Rock
Extended, contorted, and preternaturally muscled bodies are a hallmark of Bloemaert’s style, which art historians refer to as Mannerism. In the middle ground at left, nearly hidden in shadow, Moses strikes a rock to provide water for the Israelites during their flight from Egypt. But other figures such as the monumental bare-breasted woman with a water pitcher on her back overshadow the ostensible subject, revealing the painter’s priority to be the depiction of a variety of idealized bodies inspired by a dialogue with contemporary Italian art.
Artwork Details
- Title: Moses Striking the Rock
- Artist: Abraham Bloemaert (Netherlandish, Gorinchem 1566–1651 Utrecht)
- Date: 1596
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 31 3/8 x 42 1/2 in. (79.7 x 108 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Mary V. T. Eberstadt, by exchange, 1972
- Object Number: 1972.171
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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