After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt (represented background right) they lacked water and were murmuring against him. At God's command Moses struck a rock with his rod and water flowed forth (the Israelites and their flocks are seen drinking in the right foreground). Old Testament (Exodus 17: 1-7).
Both this and its companion 'The Worship of the Egyptian God Apis', and perhaps other paintings now missing, were probably set in the wainscoting of a room. The design may be by Filippino and perhaps the head of Moses in this painting was painted by him.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
about 1457 - 1504
Full title
Moses brings forth Water out of the Rock
Date made
about 1500
Medium and support
Oil and egg on canvas, transferred from wood
Dimensions
78.1 x 137.8 cm
Acquisition credit
Bequeathed by Sir Henry Bernhard Samuelson, Bt, in memory of his father, 1937
Inventory number
NG4904
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Two Scenes from the Story of Moses
Painting
Follower of Filippino Lippi
about 1500
