Artwork

Moses Striking the Rock

Moses Striking the Rock, by Januarius Zick, oil, 1773
Moses Striking the Rock, by Januarius Zick, oil, 1773

Moses Striking the Rock is an oil painting by Januarius Zick. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Moses Striking the Rock is a painting created by Johann Rasso Januarius Zick around 1773. It is an oil-on-canvas work held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dramatic biblical scene: Moses striking a rock to produce water. The tense atmosphere is palpable as onlookers await the outcome, their faces filled with a mix of hope and anticipation.

Technique & Style

Zick's use of chiaroscuro creates a strong contrast between light and dark, heightening the emotional impact of the scene. This technique, characteristic of Late-Baroque art, is skillfully employed to draw attention to the central figure of Moses.

History & Provenance

Januarius Zick, a German painter and architect, was active during the Late-Baroque period. As one of its principal masters, he made significant contributions to both painting and architectural design in Germany.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Januarius Zick

Artist

Januarius Zick

Johann Rasso Januarius Zick (6 February 1730 – 14 November 1797) was a German painter and architect. He is considered to be one of the main masters of the Late-Baroque.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.