Moses (after Michangelo) 1875

Edmonia Lewis carved this marble sculpture, titled "Moses (after Michelangelo)," sometime in the 19th century. The sculpture immediately strikes us with its imposing scale and the smooth, cool surface of the marble. Lewis masterfully renders the seated figure of Moses, capturing both his physical strength and introspective mood. Note how the weight of the stone is visually distributed, creating a balanced yet dynamic composition. The sculpture's form invites a semiotic reading, where each element acts as a sign. The horns, derived from a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible, are a potent symbol of Moses' divine authority. The way Moses delicately touches his beard suggests contemplation, hinting at inner turmoil. The classical treatment of the figure, combined with these symbolic attributes, creates a complex interplay of power, spirituality, and humanity. The tension between the static, enduring quality of the marble and the dynamic, emotional depth of the figure invites us to consider how the artwork itself becomes a site of ongoing interpretation and cultural dialogue.