Hendrik van Balen d. J., 1623 – 1661, zugesch... Lot n° 198

MOSES BEATS WATER OUT OF THE ROCK Oil on three joined wooden panels. 69.5 x 89.5 cm. Probably residual signature lower right. The depiction refers to a biblical passage when Moses and his entourage find no more water after the exodus from Egypt. At God's command, Moses strikes a rock twice with a staff: a great stream of water comes forth, so that there is enough water for the people and the animals again. In the painting, which is rich in figures, Moses can be seen in a wide wooded landscape to the left of the center, seen from behind in a long robe, holding the staff upwards to the left and pointing his people with an outstretched arm towards the water flowing down from the rock. Several women are already holding bowls and dishes ready to catch the water. Surprised, many of the bystanders look and point to the water miracle with gestures of their arms: These include several men standing both to the left and right of Moses, some of them wearing turbans. A woman lying exhausted on a bed under a tent roof on the right has just been brought a large bowl of water, and two women in the right foreground are already holding glasses filled with water in their hands. The thirsty herds streaming towards the water and the large tent camp with figures under a high sky can be seen in the center back of the picture. Narrative depiction rich in figures and animals. Partly rest. Annotation: A comparable smaller painting on copper by Hendrik van Balen the Elder was offered at auction at Christie's London on December 8, 2017 under lot 114 (1400391) (18) Hendrik van Balen the Younger, 1623 - 1661, attributed MOSES STRIKING WATER FROM A ROCK Oil on three joined panels. 69.5 x 89.5 cm. Probably remains of a signature lower right.