The artwork titled “Moses Strikes the Rock,” created by James Tissot between 1896 and 1902, is a religious painting executed in gouache on board. This piece is associated with the Symbolism art movement.
The artwork depicts a biblical scene where Moses, standing on rocky terrain, strikes a rock to bring forth water, a miraculous event described in the scriptures. Several figures surround Moses, observing the miraculous occurrence with a mix of awe and reverence. The setting includes rugged mountainous terrain, emphasizing the arid conditions faced by the people, who are gathered around collecting the flowing water. Women and children are seen in the foreground, fetching the water in large jars, illustrating their reliance on Moses’ divine act for sustenance. The use of gouache on board adds a vivid and textured quality to the piece, enhancing the dramatic and spiritual atmosphere central to the Symbolist movement.
