This work and 'The Brazen Serpent' are highly finished modellos for frescoes in the church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome. The modelli were probably made specifically for presentation to the Pope for approval, given that Benedict XIV was providing cash for the project.
Until recently a painting in the Musée Magnin at Dijon was thought to be a preliminary modello by Giaquinto for 'Moses striking the Rock'. Although Giaquinto frequently made several versions, even of his sketches, it seems most likely that the Dijon painting is an old copy of this picture.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1703 - 1766
Full title
Moses striking the Rock
Date made
1743-4
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
136.5 x 95 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1987
Inventory number
NG6516
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Modelli for Frescoes in S. Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome
Painting
Corrado Giaquinto
1743-4
