The inspiration for this painting is the verse ‘And Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels’ (Exodus 15, 20).

This work celebrates the salvation of the Jews from destruction at the hands of Pharoh’s army. At the left in blacks, dark greens and grim reds, the viewer sees the Egyptian forces drowning in the sea. Chariots and horses are visible among the fish, along with the disbelieving face of a soldier – Pharaoh himself perhaps? Emerging from the sea the Jews come herding their flocks, Moses leading, a simple shepherd with his staff. The serenity of this middle section gives way on the right to an exuberant swirl of color and movement as the women come dancing to meet them. The robust joyousness of the dancers contrasts with and overpowers the grim scene of destruction that attracts the eye initially.

Size: 29″ x 7″, Medium: tempera on board