“The Burning Thorn Bush” (1932) by Gebhard Fugel emerges from a period of intense religious revival in early 20th-century Germany, where biblical scenes were often revisited to reaffirm spiritual values during times of cultural upheaval. Fugel—well known for his large-scale, immersive religious panoramas—applies his characteristic naturalism and meticulous attention to composition in this work. The depiction of Moses and the miraculous bush not consumed by fire draws from the long artistic tradition of illustrating Old Testament theophanies, channeling both awe and divine mystery for contemporary viewers. Against the background of interwar Europe, such paintings served to anchor faith and tradition amid modern uncertainty, emphasizing God’s enduring presence in the lives of believers.
