Wednesday, June 8, 2016

What is this Story?

Sometimes you see a piece of embroidery from the 17th century casket/mirror/picture genre and you wonder what the story is.  There are so few story lines that have been used that you get really used to seeing them and knowing which one a panel is from.  So this one is interesting because it isn't immediately apparent.  And I know from experience to take the auction listing with a grain of salt until I verify from another source that it makes sense.

So that is the mystery of the day - what biblical story or allegorical is this from?

Lot 162 Conestoga Auctions June 11, 2016
It is listed as a picture of Moses with followers.  But which story - usually there is something in the picture to clue us in.  I wouldn't exactly call the grotto the Red Sea.  And two of the figures are in military garb with darker faces and hands.  But the 'moses' character also has darker hands/face and the non-military gents have dark hands and light faces.  Hmmm.  It is the missing panels that would seal the deal, reasonably sure this is a side of a casket.

What do you think?

Tricia


4 comments:

  1. Hi Tricia, it is Moses striking a rock to reveal a water source as described in the bible book of Numbers 20: 1-13.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was also just about to say that! You can clearly see the rod Moses is holding and the rock has water pouring out of it

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't know, but I want their clothes! I love this panel!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks like when Moses struck the rock to bring out water when the Israelites were wandering in the desert. But..... that staff/stick is way too small. And his clothing is right for the time period. And the people with him are REALLY not wearing the right clothing for the time period. So maybe it is something else.
    Maureen S

    ReplyDelete