Aäron en Hur stutten Mozes' handen tijdens de strijd van het volk Israël tegen de Amalekieten c. 1705 - 1754

Jacob de Wit made this drawing of Aaron and Hur supporting Moses's hands during the battle against the Amalekites, using pen and brown ink. De Wit worked in the Netherlands during the 18th century, a time when the Dutch Republic was a major economic and cultural power, but was also experiencing internal political divisions and a decline in its international influence. The Dutch Golden Age, marked by its artistic achievements, had passed, but artists still sought to represent biblical scenes as relevant to their social contexts. By depicting this Old Testament story, De Wit may have been commenting on the importance of unity and divine support in times of conflict, ideas which resonated in Dutch society. The drawing embodies a visual culture steeped in religious narrative. Studying De Wit and his contemporaries involves examining the patronage system, art academies, and the religious and political debates that shaped the artistic landscape of the time. Only then can we fully grasp the cultural significance of art.