Moses and the Waters c. 18th century

Curator: At first glance, it feels overwhelming, like a tapestry woven with countless figures in perpetual motion. Editor: We're looking at "Moses and the Waters" by Lelio Cosatti, a work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Its dimensions are roughly 47 by 70 centimeters, and it presents a densely packed scene. Curator: Yes, the composition calls to mind classical friezes, narratives unfolding across time in a single plane. The repetition of figures—the idealized bodies—evokes a sense of communal suffering. Editor: Indeed, that's a key element. Cosatti is referencing not just a biblical story, but the broader theme of divine intervention in human affairs. The imagery certainly reflects socio-political tensions. Curator: And, perhaps more universally, the longing for liberation. The figures straining toward Moses represent a collective desire for change, a powerful visual metaphor for hope. Editor: That’s a fascinating point. Seeing it that way, I appreciate how the artist uses historical context to inform a message that persists today.