Mosè fa scaturire l'acqua dalle rocce
Scuola romana del XVII secolo
Roman school, 17th-century
Moses bringing water from the rock
(Probably a preparatory sketch)
Oil on canvas in grisaille
47 x 67 cm.
In an ebonised frame 64 x 85 cm.
Provenance: Sotheby’s Milan, 12 June 2001, Lot 165
Estimate 6–8,000,000 L. (€ 3,000–4,000) **
This fascinating canvas, depicting the Old Testament episode of Moses bringing water from the rock, follows a descriptive structure that would lead us to assume we are looking at a precious preparatory sketch, a study for a larger altarpiece or, even more likely, for a fresco.
Although it is difficult to identify the artist, we can nevertheless place the work within the diverse Roman school of the second half of the 17th or early 18th century, in the wake of Baroque classicism.
This is a work executed using the ‘monochrome’ technique in shades of grey (also known as ‘en grisaille’), which, particularly in the creation of sketches, was a crucial stage in the artistic design process, used to define the volumes and composition of a work before applying the final colour.
The scene depicted symbolises divine salvation and faith, a popular theme in Baroque art, and narrates the miraculous episode that took place during the biblical exodus of the Jewish people (chapter 17): having fled Egypt where they were enslaved, the Jews were led by Moses towards the Promised Land, wandering through the Sinai desert. Their sufferings were eased by God’s help, thanks to the manna that rained down from heaven, but one day, weary and thirsty, feeling abandoned by a God whose existence they were beginning to doubt, they turned to Moses asking him for a divine sign.
And so came the miracle of the Great Prophet who, at God’s behest, struck the rock with his staff, causing a cascade of water to gush forth, quenching the thirst of all those present.
It is wonderful to observe the way in which the artist has depicted the frantic movement of the figures, with their dynamic poses and the variety of reactions: some drinking eagerly, some thanking God, some offering water to children, and others stocking up by filling their jars.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The artwork is sold complete with an attractive frame, a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased artworks, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you to show you our collection of artworks.
Should non-Italian clients purchase the artwork, an export licence will be required, which takes approximately 15–20 days to process; our gallery will handle the entire process until it is obtained. All costs associated with this procedure are included.
Please feel free to contact us for any further information.
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