Punishment of the Korah, Dathan and Abiram

Artist: Sandro Botticelli
Location: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Medium: Fresco
Date: 1481–1482

Biblical Context

Punishment of Korah - The story from Numbers 16 describes the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. God punished them by having the earth swallow them and fire consume those who offered false incense.

Story narrated from left to right:

In the left, the earth opens up to swallow the rebels
In the center, figures offering false fire to the Lord were consumed by the fire
In the right, Moses seeks refuge from Israelites who stoned him
Moses' forehead ray is from biblical text (Exodus 34:29-35)