Artwork
Moses and the Daughters of Jethro
Moses and the Daughters of Jethro is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Théophile Hamel. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
About this work
Overview
Moses and the Daughters of Jethro is an 1838 oil painting by Théophile-Abraham Hamel, a Canadian artist associated with portraits and religious themes, reflecting the French Romanticism style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a biblical scene where Moses assists the daughters of Jethro at a well, surrounded by sheep and women in colorful attire, conveying a moment of serene assistance.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work embodies French Romanticism through its use of color (notably the orange tunic) and composition, capturing a tranquil outdoor setting with trees, hills, and a cloudy sky.
History & Provenance
Created in 1838, the painting is part of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' collection, highlighting Hamel's contribution to Canadian religious genre painting.
Context
While primarily known for portraits, Hamel's foray into religious genre painting with this work situates him within the broader 19th-century Canadian art scene influenced by European movements like Romanticism.
Legacy
As one of Hamel's noted works, it contributes to the understanding of Canadian art's evolution in the 19th century, particularly in the adoption of European artistic trends.
Artist & collection
Artist
Théophile-Abraham Hamel (8 November 1817 – 23 December 1870) was a Canadian artist who painted mainly portraits and religious images in 19th-century Quebec.
