The Exposition of Moses c. 17th century

Curator: Michel II Corneille's drawing, "The Exposition of Moses," presents a dramatic scene rendered in reddish-brown ink. The figures cluster near a river, with an old bridge in the background. Editor: It has a somber tone, doesn't it? The stark lines and limited color palette create a sense of gravity and perhaps a premonition of difficulties to come. Curator: Absolutely. The choice to depict this particular moment, the abandonment, speaks to a larger narrative of exile and chosen-ness within Jewish history and Christian symbolism. The river itself becomes a powerful symbol. Editor: It’s interesting how Corneille uses the landscape, the trees looming over the figures, to enhance the feeling of vulnerability and exposure. It makes you think about the politics of imagery and how the story of Moses is framed. Curator: Indeed, the dog is a striking detail. As a symbol of loyalty, its presence hints at a moral framework or perhaps foreshadows the faithfulness Moses will later demonstrate. Editor: Reflecting on the drawing, I'm struck by how Corneille captures the raw emotion inherent in the story, regardless of the medium. Curator: For me, the enduring power lies in its resonance with themes of faith, sacrifice, and the enduring human capacity for hope in the face of adversity.