This gallery includes visual depictions of religious narratives from Christian, Jewish, and Islamic texts.
The Finding of Moses, Bartholomeus Breenbergh, 1622, From the collection of: Hallwyl Museum
This painting depicts the finding of the prophet Moses on the Nile River by and Egyptian princess. According to the Hebrew bible, Moses was an Israelite who was raised as an Egyptian prince, destined to bring his enslaved people back to their holy land. Despite the apparent subject being Moses, the focus of the painting appears to be more on the landscape, which looks like it belongs more on the Greek or Roman peninsula than Egyptian Nile due to the flora and architecture along the river.
This painting depicts two separate events occurring at different times within the same setting: Moses removing his shoes and Moses and the burning bush. According to the Hebrew bible, God spoke to Moses through a bush that was not consumed by the fire. Moses is also depicted as a shepherd surrounded by sheep, contributing to the idea of a "good shepherd" that would also be attributed to Jesus Christ.
Moses Striking Water from the Rock, Jacob Jordaens, about 1645–1650, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This painting depicts another story from the Hebrew bible. After escaping Egypt, Moses and the Israelites camped out with no water to drink. Moses struck a rock with his staff, and water began to pour from it. This painting exemplifies hierarchy, as Moses and the rock are at the highest and lightest point in the painting. While most of the people in this image are naked or half-dressed, Moses is fully dressed and wearing bright clothing.
The Virgin Seeking Jesus in the Temple, 1506–1511, From the collection of: Dallas Museum of Art
This image depicts a story from the New Testament. After losing him for three days, Mary the mother of Jesus finds the young Jesus preaching in a temple. Despite this image being entirely in black and white, the artist uses lines and hatching to create shading, texture, and depth.
The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus Teaching in the Temple, Lodovico Mazzolino, 1524, From the collection of: Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
This image also depicts the story of Jesus preaching in the temple. The boy Jesus is set in the very center of the painting and wears a pure white garment, in contrast to those around him who wear darker colored garments. He is also elevated above the crowd so they must look up to him, exemplifying his importance.
Jesus casts out the merchants, Alfonso Chierici, 1844/1844, From the collection of: Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia
This painting depicts Jesus casting the merchants out of the temple. Like the Moses Striking Water from the Rock painting, Jesus is depicted so he is higher and more brightly-lit than anyone else in the painting. He also possesses a halo around his head, depicting his holiness.
Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers, Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883), 1865, From the collection of: The Art Institute of Chicago
This painting depicts Jesus being mocked by soldiers before his execution. In the New Testament, the soldiers mocked him moments before his death because, despite saving so many people, he could not save himself. The light's focus appears to be on Jesus.
Folio from an unidentified text; verso, The prophet Muhammad on his way to conquer Mecca; recto, text, The prophet Muhammad proceeds to conquer the Holy Shrine of Mecca, 19th century, From the collection of: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
This folio depicts Muhammad conquering and entering Mecca. Mecca is the most holy city for Muslims, and after being restricted entry by the ruling family there, he went into battle to reclaim the city for Muslims. Due to certain Muslim beliefs, Muhammad's face is covered by a veil. He also possesses a halo and an angel appears to be speaking to him.
Folio from an unidentified text; verso: Prophet Muhammad preaches after the Battle of the Ditch; recto: text, circa 1590, From the collection of: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
This folio depicts Muhammad preaching after the Battle of the Ditch, in which his army used trench tactics in order to defeat the larger Meccan army. Again, Muhammad's face is obscured with a veil and he possesses a halo of fire around his head. He is also stood at the top of a set of stairs, putting him higher than any other character depicted and establishing hierarchy.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Ascent to Heaven (painting, verso; text, recto), folio from a manuscript of the Khamsa (Layla and Majnun) by Nizami, Unknown Artist, 1584, From the collection of: Harvard Art Museums
This painting depicts Muhammad's ascent into heaven. He is surrounded by angels giving him various offerings. Again, he is depicted wearing a veil. Both him and the steed he is riding upon--a horse-like creature with a human head--appear to be on fire but do not appear to be harmed by it.
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