Where is this painting displayed?

The work held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum acquired it in 1972 through a gift by exchange.

What biblical scene does this show?

The painting depicts Moses striking a rock to provide water for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The scene comes from the Old Testament book of Exodus.

What style is this painting?

Abraham Bloemaert painted in the Mannerist style, characterized by elongated, idealized figures influenced by Italian Renaissance art.

How large is this painting?

The canvas measures 79.7 x 108 cm (approximately 31 x 42.5 inches). Bloemaert signed and dated it "A·Blomaert·fe / ao·1596" at the lower right.

Where Is Moses Striking the Rock? Museum Location

Abraham Bloemaert completed this biblical scene in 1596, depicting Moses drawing water from a rock for the Israelites during their flight from Egypt. The painting measures 79.7 by 108 centimeters and is signed and dated at the lower right.

Though the subject is Moses, Bloemaert gives him relatively little prominence. In the middle ground at left, nearly hidden in shadow, Moses performs the miracle while more prominent figures dominate the foreground. A monumental bare-breasted woman carrying a water pitcher draws the eye, revealing the Dutch artist's priority: depicting idealized bodies inspired by contemporary Italian art.

The extended, contorted, preternaturally muscled figures are hallmarks of Mannerism, the late Renaissance style Bloemaert championed. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the work in 1972. Its provenance may include Jan Vincent Coster of Amsterdam in 1622.