Nicolas Poussin 1593/94 – 1665

Joshua Fights Amalek

oil on canvas (97 × 134 cm) — ca. 1625 Museum Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Nicolas Poussin biography

This work is linked to Exodus 17:10

Tags: Joshua | Moses

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When the Israelites were traveling through the desert, they were attacked at Rephidim, by the nomad tribe of chief Amalek. This painting shows the Jewish Joshua and his men defending themselves, while Moses, Aaron and Hur are praying. Every time that Moses raises his arms to Heaven, the Israelites have the upper hand, whenever he does not, the Amalekites are winning. The Israelites win despite Moses' fatigue.

Poussin made this painting while in Italy. It is the companion of The Battle between the Israelites and the Amorites.

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