Moses Striking the Rock

Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

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.

Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Moses Striking the Rock

Date:

c. 1660-1661

Artist:

Jan Steen (Dutch (active Leiden, Haarlem, and The Hague), 1626–1679)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

37 3/8 × 38 3/4 inches (94.9 × 98.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 509

Geography:

Made in Netherlands, Europe

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Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

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