Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant 1800

Benjamin West's "Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant" (1800) is a dramatic and powerful depiction of a key biblical event. The painting portrays the moment when Joshua, led by the Ark of the Covenant, commands the waters of the Jordan River to part, allowing the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. The dramatic use of light and shadow, with a brilliant beam of light emanating from the Ark, creates a sense of awe and wonder. West's work is considered a masterpiece of historical painting, and its depiction of this pivotal moment in Jewish history has resonated with viewers for centuries.