Moses Defending the Daughters of Jethro - Chrispijn van den Broeck

A refined sixteenth-century drawing by Chrispijn van den Broeck depicting the biblical encounter at the well, rendered in ink and grey wash.

This drawing by the Flemish artist Chrispijn van den Broeck depicts the biblical narrative of Moses assisting the daughters of Jethro at the well. The composition is characteristic of Northern Mannerism, featuring elongated figures and a complex, staged arrangement that guides the viewer through the interaction. Van den Broeck employs a combination of pen and brown ink with grey wash to define the forms, creating a sense of volume through light and shadow rather than colour.

The scene is populated with figures in period-appropriate attire, reflecting the sixteenth-century interpretation of ancient events. Moses stands as the central figure, his gesture directing the eye toward the women who have gathered at the well with their livestock. The inclusion of sheep in the foreground and the architectural elements of the well provide a sense of place, while the fluid, calligraphic line work demonstrates the artist's technical proficiency in draughtsmanship. The wash application is subtle, providing depth to the drapery and the surrounding environment without obscuring the underlying ink work.

Van den Broeck was a versatile artist, active in Antwerp, whose output included paintings, prints, and designs for stained glass. His work often reflects the influence of Italian art, which he integrated into the Flemish tradition of his time. This particular study captures a moment of narrative tension, balanced by the calm, rhythmic placement of the figures. It is a fine example of the preparatory drawings produced in the late Renaissance period, where the focus remained on anatomical precision and narrative clarity. The work is preserved as a testament to the period's interest in classical and biblical themes, rendered with the characteristic elegance of the Flemish school.