On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P06312
- Author
- Bassano, Jacopo (Italian)
- Title
- Israelites drinking the Miraculous Water
- Chronology
- 1566-1568
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 146 cm x 230 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This painting depicts two episodes.
In the middle ground, Moses and
Aaron direct the Israelites toward
the Promised Land (Exodus 13,
21-22). In the foreground, far from
the journey, persons and animals
quench their thirst in the fountain
that Moses caused to flow from the
boulder at Horeb (Exodus 17,
1-7)
Some critics see this as a merely
decorative work, while others
believe that the image of the human
and animal figures quenching their
thirst represent a grave warning
about the weakness of “homo
carnalis,” always ready to succumb
to worldly pleasure, while the
presence of Moses and Aaron leading
their people would tie in with the
Counterreformation's emphasis on
social hierarchy.
This work was listed at Madrid's
Alcázar Palace in 1636.
Location on the map
