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Moses Striking the Rock

c. 1660-1661
Jan Steen (Dutch (active Leiden, Haarlem, and The Hague), 1626–1679)
In this painting Jan Steen depicts one of his rare biblical scenes. He shows the prophet Moses during the journey of the nation of Israel through the desert to Canaan. When the people grumbled because of thirst, Moses miraculously produced water from a stone, following God's command. However, he struck the rock twice, betraying doubt, and God punished him by denying him entry to the Promised Land.

Object Details

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