Mozes verdedigt de dochters van Reüel bij de bron c. 1695 - 1780

This is an engraving of ‘Moses Defending the Daughters of Reuel at the Well’ by an anonymous artist. Here, issues of gender and power dynamics are made evident through Moses’s intervention. In a patriarchal society, women's access to essential resources such as water was often mediated by men. Moses, an outsider, disrupts this social order by defending the women against the shepherds. The engraving offers insight into cultural attitudes towards women, labor, and justice in the period it was made. The emotional charge of the piece stems from the depiction of violence and defense, creating tension between vulnerability and strength. Moses's act can be interpreted as a challenge to the status quo, portraying an alternative narrative where traditional power structures are questioned and disrupted. The artwork raises questions about how societal norms are enforced and challenged, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equity. It serves as a reminder of the emotional and personal dimensions intertwined with broader social issues.