Brenberg Bartholomeus (1598 Deventer – 1657 Amsterdam) – Moses and Aaron turn the Egyptian river into blood (58x83 cm) 1631 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a dramatic biblical scene unfolding within a landscape dominated by classical ruins. Here we observe a group of figures clustered near a riverbank, their attention directed towards the waters surface. A man, presumably central to the narrative, gestures emphatically toward the river with his outstretched arm, while another figure stands beside him, seemingly participating in the action. The individuals are dressed in robes and garments suggesting an ancient setting, though the style of dress exhibits a degree of variation that hints at social hierarchy or differing roles within the group.
The river itself is rendered with a murky, reddish hue, immediately signaling a disruption of its natural state. Patches of reeds and vegetation line the bank, adding texture to the foreground. The water’s surface reflects the overcast sky, contributing to an overall somber atmosphere.
Behind the figures, a substantial portion of the scene is occupied by crumbling architectural remains – columns, arches, and fragments of what were once grand structures. These ruins are partially overgrown with vegetation, indicating the passage of time and the decay of civilization. The artist placed these remnants deliberately; they serve not merely as background but as symbolic elements that introduce layers of meaning to the narrative. They evoke a sense of lost grandeur, perhaps alluding to the impermanence of power or the consequences of defying divine authority.
The landscape extends into the distance, revealing more ruins and a hazy horizon line. The sky is heavy with clouds, further intensifying the dramatic mood. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain figures while leaving others in shadow, contributing to a sense of theatricality and emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a commentary on power and divine intervention. The ruined architecture could be interpreted as representing the fragility of human endeavors when confronted with forces beyond comprehension. The reddish water signifies not just a physical transformation but also potentially represents corruption, suffering, or divine retribution. The figures’ expressions – a mixture of awe, concern, and perhaps even fear – convey the gravity of the event they are witnessing. Overall, the work conveys a sense of momentous change and impending consequence within a setting that blends historical narrative with allegorical resonance.