Who painted The Finding of Moses?

The Finding of Moses was painted by Battista Angolo del Moro in 1544.

Where can I see The Finding of Moses?

The Finding of Moses is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Finding of Moses?

The Finding of Moses is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Finding of Moses

Battista Angolo del Moro , 1544

The Finding of Moses is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Battista Angolo del Moro. It dates from 1544 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1544, this print by Battista Angolo del Moro depicts the biblical episode of Moses’ discovery. Executed on laid paper, the work combines etching with engraving, presenting a densely populated river scene where a basket containing the infant Moses drifts among onlookers.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the moment when the infant Moses is found among reeds, a narrative drawn from the Book of Exodus. A woman in elaborate attire gestures toward the floating basket, while servants, spectators, and a dog gather, emphasizing the communal interest in the miraculous find.

Technique & Style

Angolo del Moro employs a hybrid process, merging traditional etching with drypoint engraving. The drypoint’s incised lines yield crisp, velvety edges that contrast with the finer etched strokes, allowing figures to emerge sharply from darker shadows and giving the crowded scene a sense of depth.

History & Provenance

The print, attributed to the mid‑sixteenth‑century Italian artist Battista Angolo del Moro, reflects the period’s fascination with biblical subjects rendered in intricate prints. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among his known prints and remains a representative example of his printmaking practice.