Artwork

The Finding of Moses

The Finding of Moses, by Paolo Veronese, oil, 1568
The Finding of Moses, by Paolo Veronese, oil, 1568

The Finding of Moses is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Paolo Veronese. It dates from 1568 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

About this work

Overview

Paolo Veronese’s oil painting titled *The Finding of Moses* dates to roughly 1581–1582. Executed on canvas, the work measures about 178 cm by 277 cm and is presently displayed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden. It belongs to a small group of at least eight versions on the same biblical episode produced by Veronese and his workshop.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the moment when the infant Moses is discovered among the reeds. A central female figure cradles the child, while another woman watches attentively. Surrounding onlookers, including a few dogs, gather in a festive atmosphere, suggesting a narrative of rescue and communal celebration within a pastoral setting.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil, the painting showcases Veronese’s characteristic brilliance of color and meticulous handling of texture. Lush drapery, reflective surfaces, and the nuanced depiction of foliage and water demonstrate a sophisticated use of glazing that creates depth and luminous vibrancy across the expansive canvas.

History & Provenance

The Dresden version is one of several iterations of the Moses episode; a related piece in Lyon is believed to be a preparatory study for this larger work. Over the centuries the painting entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, where it remains part of the museum’s core holdings.

Context

Created during the late Renaissance, the work reflects the Venetian tradition of grand narrative cycles commissioned for private or public settings. Veronese’s studio frequently revisited biblical themes, adapting compositions for different patrons, which explains the multiple versions of this subject across European collections.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paolo Veronese

Artist

Paolo Veronese

Paolo Caliari (1528 – 19 April 1588), known as Paolo Veronese ( VERR-ə-NAY-zay, -⁠zee, US also -⁠see; Italian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter based in Venice, known for extremely large history paintings of…