Who painted Moses Striking the Rock?

Moses Striking the Rock was painted by Jan Steen in 1661.

Where can I see Moses Striking the Rock?

Moses Striking the Rock is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Moses Striking the Rock?

Moses Striking the Rock is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Moses Striking the Rock?

Museum-quality prints of Moses Striking the Rock are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Moses Striking the Rock

Jan Steen , 1661

Moses Striking the Rock is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Steen. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jan Steen’s 1661 oil painting, *Moses Striking the Rock*, is part of the collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The work depicts the biblical episode in which Moses, using his staff, brings forth water from a stone to supply the Israelites wandering in the desert.

Subject & Meaning

At the composition’s center, Moses raises his staff against a rugged rock, from which a stream of water emerges. Figures surrounding the miracle are shown either drinking directly from the flow or awaiting their turn, emphasizing the theme of divine provision amid hardship.

Technique & Style

Steen renders the scene with a restrained palette of earth tones, employing a realistic approach that captures fine details in the clothing, facial expressions, and the arid landscape. The careful modeling of light and shadow creates a calm atmosphere despite the narrative’s dramatic moment.

History & Provenance

Painted in the Dutch Golden Age, the canvas entered the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains on display as an example of Steen’s lesser‑known religious output, contrasting with his more familiar genre scenes.