Who painted The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided?

The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided was painted by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1548.

Where can I see The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided?

The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided?

The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided

Augustin Hirschvogel , 1548

The Twelve Stones, and the Waters of the Jordan are Divided is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1548 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1548, this black‑and‑white etching depicts a multitude of figures navigating a river crossing.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1548, this black‑and‑white etching depicts a multitude of figures navigating a river crossing. Some participants bear sizable stones, while others support themselves with poles or staffs, suggesting a collective effort. Distant trees, a rocky shore, and modest structures frame the scene, providing a sense of landscape beyond the immediate action.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a biblical episode in which stones are transported from the Jordan River, a narrative traditionally linked to the division of the waters. The German inscription beneath the image explains the story, indicating the work’s function as a visual exegesis of the scriptural event.

Technique & Style

Executed through etching, the image relies on fine, intersecting lines to model volume and convey movement among the crowd. Hirschvogel’s handling of line creates atmospheric depth, while the stark contrast of black ink on paper emphasizes the dramatic moment of the river’s division.

History & Provenance

The work is attributed to Augustin Hirschvogel, a German artist known also for his contributions to mathematics and cartography. It belongs to a series of thirty‑five small landscape etchings he produced between 1545 and 1549, a period during which he was active within the artistic milieu of the Danube School in Bavaria and Austria.

Context

Hirschvogel’s etchings reflect the Danube School’s interest in integrating detailed natural settings with narrative content. The emphasis on topographical accuracy and the inclusion of architectural elements align with the school’s broader engagement with landscape as a vehicle for storytelling.