Moses Drawing Water from the Rock, at left with water flowing, various figures and animals waiting at right 1547 - 1566

This is Battista Franco’s "Moses Drawing Water from the Rock", made with etching techniques, sometime in the mid-16th century. Franco was working in a period marked by religious and political tensions, and also a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Here, we see Franco depicting a key moment from the Book of Exodus, when Moses, instructed by God, strikes a rock to provide water for the Israelites in the desert. It’s a powerful representation of leadership, faith, and divine intervention. The figures are reaching, drinking, and collecting water, highlighting themes of survival and dependence. Gender and class are subtly embedded; note the positioning and actions of the women and children, who appear more vulnerable than the men. It also demonstrates the traditional, patriarchal structure of the society being depicted. Franco uses the narrative to explore the emotional and physical states of his subjects, capturing their desperation and relief. His focus on the human form and emotional expression aligns with the artistic values of the Renaissance, but this work also invites us to consider the ongoing relevance of its themes of faith, leadership, and community in times of crisis.