The Finding of Moses, with Hedgehog, Seal, Lobster, and Bird 1582 - 1586

Curator: Adriaen Collaert's "The Finding of Moses, with Hedgehog, Seal, Lobster, and Bird" presents a complex, almost dreamlike landscape. Editor: Yes, it's quite striking! The elaborate border gives it a contained, jewel-like quality. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the hazy background creates a compelling sense of depth. Curator: Collaert, who died in 1618, situates the biblical narrative within a broader context of natural history and European exploration, reflecting the era’s intersectional interests. The inclusion of those animals suggests an engagement with colonial narratives. Editor: I see how the composition directs our eye—from Moses in the lower right to the distant architectural forms. The landscape itself, with its towering rocks, almost becomes a character. Curator: And the depiction of Moses here speaks to questions of religious identity and power, especially considering the social upheavals of the 16th and 17th centuries. Who is considered worthy, chosen? Editor: It’s intriguing how Collaert balances the figural narrative with pure landscape elements. It is a testament to the power of the graphic line. Curator: The detail certainly invites close consideration of how these stories are shaped and framed, even now. Editor: Indeed; I will be thinking about this piece for a while.