Moses und die Hirten am Brunnen 1828

Peter Rittig painted "Moses und die Hirten am Brunnen" using pen and brown ink. The painting shows Moses driving away the shepherds so that the daughters of Jethro can water their flock. Note the raised hands in this work, gestures that echo through art history. Consider, for instance, depictions of the Annunciation, where Mary often raises a hand in surprise or acknowledgment. This gesture serves as a visual marker, recurring across different eras, echoing through time. The motif evolves, yet retains a core essence – a sudden confrontation with the unknown, evoking a sense of both fear and reverence. The power of collective memory is at play here, a subconscious recognition of archetypal scenes that stir deep within us. The echo of raised hands continues through history, a testament to our shared human experiences.