19th century, Lombardy, Moses makes water flow from the rock

Lombard school, 19th century
Moses brings water from the rock
Oil on canvas, 30 x 39 cm
Frame 37 x 47 cm

The painting examined can be attributed to a 19th century Lombard painter, familiar with the works of Hayez and Appiani.
The work depicts the biblical subject of Moses making water flow from the rocks. The prophet is depicted in the center of the painting, while with a rod he indicates to the exhausted and thirsty Jews the water that flows.
This image identifies Moses, the spiritual guide of the Jewish people towards salvation, also as a prefiguration of Christ himself. Through the episodes of the spring water and the bronze serpent, Christ was sent back to the lost and suffering man, as spiritual refreshment and the way of liberation.