The artwork “Moses Striking Water from the Rock” by Nicolas Poussin is a religious painting completed in 1649. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 150 x 196 cm and is a prime example of the Classicism art movement. Currently, this significant historic and biblical depiction is housed at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
In this profound composition, Poussin portrays the biblical event of Moses drawing water from the rock, as instructed by God to provide for the Israelites in the wilderness. The scene is characterized by a multitude of figures, showcasing a variety of human reactions and emotions. To the left foreground, Moses is depicted as a commanding figure in red and yellow robes, striking the rock with a staff, as water gushes forth. His posture and the angle of the staff draw the viewer’s attention to the miraculous event of the water flowing from the stone.
Surrounding Moses, the Israelites are represented in various states of action and repose, engaging with each other and with the precious water. Some figures are eagerly collecting the water, others are looking on in amazement, and some are assisting those who are too weak or too young to fetch the water themselves. The range of gestures and expressions conveys a spectrum of human need, relief, and gratitude.
The use of light and shadow in the artwork is strategic, illuminating the pivotal actions and central characters, thus directing the viewer’s gaze through the composition. The landscape serves as a backdrop to the human drama, with the rocky terrain suggesting the harshness of the wilderness, in contrast to the life-giving water. The color palette is composed of earthy tones punctuated by the vibrant robes of the main figures, enhancing the narrative and emotional intensity of the scene.
As a classical piece, the artwork is marked by Poussin’s attention to harmony, order, and the idealized depiction of the human body, which are all facets of the Classicism movement that sought to resurrect the virtues of ancient Greek and Roman art. The painting stands as a testament to Poussin’s masterful handling of composition, form, and the profound conveyance of a timeless religious narrative.
