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51. Philipp Tidemann (1657-1705) The Earth Swallows Up the People of Korah
Original drawing in pen and black ink and grey wash, ca. 1690s, 139 x 207 mm. One really need not look further than the Bible to find subjects for bizarre images. The Book of Numbers in the Old Testament, besides publishing the census of the twelve tribes of Israel, the allotment of land and property, a collection of rules for proper behavior and the like, also tells of the dissatisfaction of various groups with Moses. As both punishment and proof that he is the sole communicant of Jehovah’s orders, Moses tells the group to stand clear of Korah and his people, for Jehovah will have them swallowed up in the earth with all their property. And so it was, and so it is in this drawing. Moses is at the right. Jehovah, one may assume, has taken up temporary residence in the cloud that hangs over the tents of the Israelites. Tidemann was a Dutch painter born in Germany, who also illustrated books. This drawing has been engraved, in reverse, for one of them. A few pale, colored stains and the sheet laid down to another. |
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