Geboorte van Mozes c. 1550

This stained-glass panel, made by Dirck Pietersz. Crabeth, depicts the birth of Moses, a scene rich with enduring motifs. Here, we see the infant Moses being bathed, an act of purification, but also a prelude to his momentous destiny. This gesture echoes across time and cultures: from ancient Roman ablutions to Christian baptism, the symbolism of cleansing and rebirth persists. Note how the babe in the basin, seemingly helpless, is imbued with potential. Consider its striking parallel to the many images of Mary holding the Christ child. The power of the maternal embrace and infant vulnerability, taps into deep-seated emotional responses. Through these recurring images, cultural memory and our shared subconscious are engaged. This cyclical progression reveals how symbols are never truly new but are continually reborn, adapting to the currents of history.