The Crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites

'Israelites' is a biblical and historical term and refers to a group of Hebrew-speaking people in early history who were descendants of Jacob. This scene from the Old Testament shows the Israelites who have just crossed the Red Sea and are now resting after their escape from Egypt. Brueghel uses brown and blue wash to distinguish the foreground from the extensive mountain landscape, and to create atmospheric light and shadow. His fluid brushstrokes fuse the landscape and figures together to show a world where nature and people coexist harmoniously.