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

The print titled The Finding of Moses, executed around 1544, is an etching with engraving on laid paper. It is attributed to the Italian artist Battista Angolo del Moro. The composition presents a solitary figure retrieving an infant from a basket amid river reeds, set against a darkened background that emphasizes the central action.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts the biblical episode in which a woman rescues the infant Moses, who had been placed in a basket to protect him from the Pharaoh’s decree. The figure’s careful handling of the child underscores themes of salvation and divine providence, while the surrounding reeds suggest the Nile’s role as both a threat and a refuge.

Technique & Style

The work combines two printmaking processes. An initial etching creates the primary lines by exposing a metal plate to acid, while a subsequent drypoint adds finer, textured strokes by directly scratching the surface. This hybrid approach yields a soft tonal range and intricate detailing, particularly in the folds of the robes and the reeds.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑16th century, the print reflects the period’s interest in biblical narratives rendered for a broader audience. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Angolo del Moro’s prints and appears in several collections of Renaissance graphic art.