The Prophet Moses, from Prophets and Sibyls 1480 - 1490

Curator: This engraving, titled "The Prophet Moses, from Prophets and Sibyls," was created by Francesco Rosselli between 1480 and 1490. It's currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Moses looks like he’s had a really bad day! He's sitting there all stern and proper, but those wild eyes and slightly flared nostrils—he looks like he’s about to blow his top. Curator: Rosselli's work often drew upon historical narratives and explored the intersections of religious and political authority, which can certainly inform how we see Moses here, right? The Tablets of the Law almost appear to weigh him down. I mean, given his legacy, that's not entirely surprising. Editor: Right? Like, the dude probably felt responsible for everything! It’s Renaissance portraiture, sure, but the humanity is poking through. I love that tension, like a held breath before he shouts “Thou Shalt Not!”… which he clearly feels like doing right now. Also, what's with the wings?! Curator: Some scholars interpret those radiating lines as symbolic of divine authority. It's a visual marker designating him as a vessel of God’s word, setting him apart. And yet, even with that signal, you hone in on his humanity in this rather emotionally challenging scenario. Editor: Exactly! Authority is often built upon such narratives. It’s compelling stuff. The way the lines almost vibrate, too, they contribute to this… frenetic, spiritual energy? That said, I could really use a good explainer of that lengthy text in the foreground! Curator: The texts provide a frame for interpreting the figure and its relation to contemporary interpretations of divinity. They are a direct message that reflects moral lessons. Editor: Hmmm, it seems to add another layer that asks us to question authority and interpretation—or not. What is your final take on it? Curator: Ultimately, it makes me think about how those with authority shoulder historical and ethical burdens. Editor: And me? It feels like a raw, almost visceral portrait of a dude struggling to wrangle the big rules. Timeless stuff!