Artwork
Moses Saved from the Nile
Moses Saved from the Nile is a print by the Baroque artist Bartolomeo Biscaino. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Moses Saved from the Nile, a 1654 print by Bartolomeo Biscaino, depicts a pivotal biblical moment in a dramatic, natural setting, characterized by intense emotion and movement.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical scene of Moses' rescue, with the infant Moses (wrapped in cloth) being protected by a woman (likely his mother, Yocheved) from an implied threat, underscored by her urgent pose. Two overseeing figures (possibly Miriam and an angel or attendant) add to the protective vigilance.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the print employs deep shadows, rough lines, and expressive poses to convey drama and tension, aligning with Baroque stylistic elements that emphasize emotional storytelling through light and shadow.
History & Provenance
Created in 1654 by Bartolomeo Biscaino, the print is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
The work reflects the Baroque period's penchant for dramatizing religious narratives. The use of a wild, natural backdrop (with tall reeds and rocky hills) heightens the sense of a precarious, yet protected, moment.
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Artist & collection
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