Artwork

Der Schatzbehalter: Moses Found by Pharaoh's Daughter (recto)

Der Schatzbehalter:  Moses Found by Pharaoh's Daughter (recto), by Michael Wolgemut, 1491
Der Schatzbehalter:  Moses Found by Pharaoh's Daughter (recto), by Michael Wolgemut, 1491

Der Schatzbehalter: Moses Found by Pharaoh's Daughter (recto) is a print by the Renaissance artist Michael Wolgemut. It dates from 1491 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Der Schatzbehalter: Moses Found by Pharaoh's Daughter (recto) is a 1491 woodcut by Michael Wolgemut, a prominent Nuremberg-based painter and printmaker. This black-and-white print illustrates a biblical scene within a larger illustrated book of sacred texts.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the moment Pharaoh's daughter discovers the infant Moses among the reeds, as described in the Bible. Central figures include the elaborately dressed princess holding the baby, a pointing royal figure, surrounding angels, and subordinate characters on the ground, each contributing to the narrative.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a densely populated composition, the woodcut showcases Wolgemut's ability to convey a story through detailed, role-specific figures, even in small spaces—a common approach in early printed books for efficient storytelling.

History & Provenance

Created in 1491, this work originated from Wolgemut's Nuremberg workshop, notable for training artists like Albrecht Dürer and producing predominantly religious content.

Context

This piece reflects the illustrative needs of early religious literature, combining biblical narrative with the visual aesthetics of late medieval European printmaking.

Legacy

As part of Wolgemut's oeuvre, it influences the transition towards more refined Renaissance printmaking styles, evident in the subsequent work of his apprentices.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Michael Wolgemut

Artist

Michael Wolgemut

Michael Wolgemut (formerly spelt Wohlgemuth; 1434 – 30 November 1519) was a German painter and printmaker, who ran a workshop in Nuremberg.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.