Artwork
The Finding of Moses
The Finding of Moses is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Orazio Gentileschi. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
The Finding of Moses is a biblical scene painting created by Orazio Gentileschi in the early 1630s using oil paint, with two known versions housed in The National Gallery, London, and Museo del Prado, Madrid.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting a pivotal Old Testament scene, the painting narrates the discovery of infant Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter, highlighting a crucial moment in the legend of the future leader.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the medium allowed Gentileschi to achieve depth and richness in the composition, characteristic of the artist’s approach to capturing narrative intensity.
History & Provenance
Two versions of the painting exist, with the primary version residing in The National Gallery, London, and a secondary version in Museo del Prado, Madrid, reflecting the artwork’s duplication in the early 17th century.
Context
Created during the early 1630s, The Finding of Moses situates itself within the broader context of Baroque religious art, where biblical themes were commonly reinterpreted by European artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Orazio Lomi Gentileschi (Italian pronunciation: ; 1563 – 7 February 1639) was an Italian painter.
