Tazza with Moses Striking Water from the Rock 1570 - 1575

This enameled Tazza, made by Jean Court, probably in the second half of the 16th century, depicts Moses striking a rock to bring forth water. The scene’s stark depiction of thirst and salvation speaks to a deep, universal need. The gesture of Moses, arm outstretched as if by divine command, is particularly striking. We see echoes of it in classical depictions of Jupiter, the wielder of thunderbolts, and even in modern political imagery. The act of striking the rock itself—a symbol of rigid resistance yielding to life-giving force—resonates beyond its immediate religious context. It evokes the psychological concept of catharsis, the sudden release of pent-up emotions. Across centuries, this symbolism persists, reappearing in secular contexts like revolutionary art, where it signifies the breaking of oppression. The enduring appeal of this image lies in its ability to tap into our primal understanding of scarcity, deliverance, and the power of transformation.