“Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant” is a neoclassical religious painting created with oil by the artist Benjamin West.
The artwork vividly depicts the biblical scene where Joshua leads the Israelites across the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant. Central to the composition is the Ark itself, carried by priests dressed in white robes, as a symbol of divine presence and guidance. The sky above them bursts with heavenly light emanating from the clouds, illuminating the scene and emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. Surrounding the Ark are various figures, including soldiers and followers, some gesturing in awe while others are engaged in prayer. The powerful imagery captures both the spiritual significance and the dramatic intensity of this pivotal moment in biblical history. The use of luminous colors and dynamic composition enhance the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion, rendering it a testament to the artist’s skill and the neoclassical ideals of clarity, order, and reverence for traditional subjects.