The Lord Makes Sweet the Waters of Marah (Exodus 15:22-26) 1548

Editor: This etching, "The Lord Makes Sweet the Waters of Marah" by Augustin Hirschvogel, depicts a scene from Exodus. The figures seem distressed, almost desperate. What symbols stand out to you in this work? Curator: Notice how the artist uses water, a potent symbol. On one hand, it represents cleansing and life, but here, the brackish water of Marah signifies hardship and divine testing. The log being cast into the water becomes a symbol of transformation, a solution delivered by faith. Editor: So, the bitterness is not just literal but also a test of faith? Curator: Precisely! The etching captures a moment of cultural memory, where survival hinges on divine intervention. The water, the log, even the figures' expressions are all weighted with that historical and emotional context. Editor: I never considered how much the artist packed into such a small image. Curator: Indeed, it’s a powerful reminder of how images can carry and convey collective experience.