Moses Receives the 10 Commandments on Mt. Sinai; verso: Poor widow's vessel filled with oil c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut print, "Moses Receives the 10 Commandments on Mt. Sinai," is by an anonymous artist. It's fascinating how simple lines can depict such a powerful moment. What captures your attention when you look at this piece? Curator: The directness, definitely. It’s less about realistic representation and more about conveying a story. Notice the tilted plane, the almost frantic energy in the lines. It's as if the artist wanted to make sure the viewer understood the importance of this moment. The figures are interesting, aren't they? Moses, looking heavenward, but with these...horns? What do you make of that? Editor: Well, I know sometimes horns in art can symbolize power or authority. Curator: Precisely! Though it’s also thought to be a mistranslation from Hebrew describing rays of light. Seeing it, and knowing the history behind it, adds another layer, doesn't it? Editor: It really does. I’ll never look at Moses the same way again!