Moses and the Burning Bush (recto) and The Infant Moses Put into the River (verso) from Neue künstliche Figuren biblischer Historien, plate 55 from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century c. 1578 - 1937

This woodcut, made by Tobias Stimmer in the 16th century, presents two biblical scenes within an elaborate frame. The dense composition is immediately striking; Stimmer uses the stark contrast of black ink on white paper to create a visually arresting image, filling the space with intricate details. The composition guides our eyes through a semiotic landscape rich with religious and cultural codes. Figures are rendered with sharp lines and dramatic gestures. Each element contributes to the narrative, from the burning bush to the figures of Moses and the infant cast into the river. The frame itself, adorned with cherubs and classical motifs, serves as a border and emphasizes the symbolic weight of the scenes. Stimmer's woodcut challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to reflect on themes of faith, destiny, and divine intervention. The overall effect is one of dynamic tension, where the visual elements collide and interact. It reminds us that art is a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.