The artwork titled “Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law” was created by Rembrandt in the year 1659. This baroque piece, synonymous with tenebrism, is fashioned using oil on canvas and measures 136.5 x 168.5 cm. It is a religious painting depicting a powerful and emotional biblical scene, and it is housed at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, Germany.
In the artwork, Rembrandt captures the intense moment when Moses, driven by righteous fury, breaks the stone tablets bearing God’s commandments. The composition centers on the figure of Moses, whose face is lit with a dramatic chiaroscuro, embodying the emotional high point of the scene. His eyes are slightly downcast, and his brow is furrowed in a mix of anger and sorrow. The tablets are large and overpowering, almost engulfing Moses as he hoists them above his head before their shattering descent.
Rembrandt’s skillful play with light and shadow is evident in the way Moses’s face, hands, and the tablets stand out against a darker, indistinct background, highlighting the inner turmoil of the prophet. His white garment provides a stark contrast to the dark tones, guiding the viewer’s focus to the action at hand, while the rough, broad brushstrokes add a sense of movement and immediacy to the piece. The use of tenebrism and the emotional depth of the work are characteristic of the Baroque period’s emphasis on dramatization and expression.
