Nicolas Poussin, a French painter, created an amazing depiction of the Exodus 14 story and painted “The Crossing of the Red Sea” in 1634. Nicolas Poussin worked mainly in Rome and was a famous painter of the classical French Classical style, working with logic, and order, instead of abstract works of art. Nicolas Poussin’s adaptation of the Biblical episode of the parting of the Red Sea, is shown through his painting as he uses a French Classical style. The style Poussin uses so large scale and dramatic but he uses immense detail to further emphasize the story.
In Exodus the preceeding chapters before Exodus 14, Moses, the main character, is leading the Israelites out of the horrible land of Egypt. After the people suffered from the plagues God had sent, Moses led them out of the land and there was a battle at the sea in Exodus 14. As the Israelites approached the sea, they were hesitant as the angry Egyptian soldiers were close behind them. This episode is the first encounter of Moses…show more content… There are two ways this painting couldl be interpreted. First, some people knew Moses as the sole leader but Poussin artistically decided to figure Moses as a commoner as he blends in the painting with his earthy tones. The only way to decipher him from the rest of his people is because he carries a staff. The way he depicted Moses as such a small figure is definitely interesting. Following with this, there may be a reason why Poussin decided to reveal Moses as a small figure. In Exodus 14, verse 13, Moses says, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.” The Lord did deliver and allowed an unnatural occurrence to happen. Poussin could be saying that the Lord is the sole carrier and he is the all mighty power instead of Moses, as Moses is just another one of his