Artwork
The Lord Sweetens the Waters of Marah
The Lord Sweetens the Waters of Marah is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Lord Sweetens the Waters of Marah is a 1528 etching by Augustin Hirschvogel, a multifaceted German artist, mathematician, and cartographer. Predating his notable landscape etchings linked to the Danube School, this work highlights his early printmaking endeavors.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a scene of collective discovery or relief around a body of water, with figures exhibiting various reactions—pointing, talking, kneeling, or reaching into the water—suggesting a moment of transformation or revelation, alluding to the biblical narrative of God sweetening the bitter waters of Marah.
Technique & Style
Characterized by quick, loose lines, the etching conveys movement and emotion. This technique, typical of Hirschvogel’s early printmaking style, contrasts with the more refined landscapes of his later work associated with the Danube School.
History & Provenance
Created in 1528, the etching represents an early phase in Hirschvogel’s artistic career, before his association with the Danube School. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
While Hirschvogel is best known for his later landscape etchings, this piece showcases his broader early contributions to printmaking, a medium that was gaining prominence in 16th-century Europe, particularly in regions like Bavaria and Austria.
Legacy
The Lord Sweetens the Waters of Marah contributes to the understanding of Hirschvogel’s versatile career and the evolution of his style. However, its direct influence or prominence in the broader art historical narrative is not explicitly highlighted in the provided context.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.
