Where can I see The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant?

The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant?

The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant

The passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan Montero de Rojas. It dates from 1667 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Juan Montero de Rojas painted The Passage of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant in oil in 1667. The work, now in the Museo del Prado, portrays a biblical procession as the sacred chest is carried across a rocky riverbank under a storm‑laden sky. Soldiers and flags appear in the distance, while two robed figures lead the group, one playing a flute.

Subject & Meaning

The central object is the golden chest traditionally identified as the Ark of the Covenant, the emblem of Israel’s covenant with God. The scene evokes the biblical episode in which the Israelites cross the Jordan River, a moment symbolising divine guidance and communal triumph. The presence of military figures and banners underscores the intertwining of religious devotion and national identity.

Technique & Style

Montero de Rojas employs a strong chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows on the riverbank with illuminated figures and the gleaming Ark. This play of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the sacred container. The composition balances dynamic movement—evident in the flute‑player’s gesture—with a still, reverent atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1667, the painting entered the Spanish royal collection before being transferred to the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. Documentation traces its ownership through 18th‑century inventories, confirming its attribution to Montero de Rojas and its continuous presence in state holdings.

Context

Created during Spain’s Baroque period, the work reflects contemporary interest in dramatizing biblical narratives for devotional and didactic purposes. The emphasis on light and shadow aligns with the Counter‑Reformation’s visual strategies, aiming to inspire piety through emotionally charged, realistic scenes.