The artwork titled “Striking the Rock” was created by Marc Chagall around 1963 in France. The medium employed is oil on canvas, and it belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This religious painting, measuring 41 x 33 cm, visually engages with its spiritual theme in a distinctive, naive style characteristic of Chagall’s oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a biblical scene where a divine figure, likely Moses, strikes a rock from which water flows, symbolizing God’s miracle for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The monochromatic palette and sketch-like quality emphasize the abundance of figures, each intricately detailed, evoking a sense of urgency and reverence. The multitude of individuals, young and old, interacts with the flowing water, conveying their relief and gratitude. This scene is imbued with Chagall’s characteristic blend of spirituality and folklore, creating a narrative rich in faith and divine intervention.
