The artwork, titled “Striking the Rock,” is a lithograph on paper created by Marc Chagall around 1966 in France. This work belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, measures 44.1 x 32 cm, and falls under the genre of religious painting. It is part of “The Story of the Exodus” series from 1966.
The artwork depicts a religious scene derived from the biblical story of Moses striking the rock to provide water for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Dominated by vibrant, expressive colors, the composition captures Moses standing with an uplifted arm, striking the rock as a stream of water flows out. Surrounding him are figures, representing the Israelites, including women, children, and animals, all visibly relieved and grateful for the life-sustaining water. The use of simplified forms and bright colors is characteristic of the Naïve Art movement, contributing to the piece’s powerful visual narrative.
