Moses and Pharaoh’s Crown c. 1670

Jan Steen painted “Moses and Pharaoh’s Crown” during the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Netherlands was a hub of global trade and cultural exchange. But this era of prosperity was built on complex social hierarchies and colonial exploitation. Steen, who often depicted scenes of everyday life with a moral undertone, here visualizes a story from the Old Testament. We see a young Moses, who has been placed in front of Pharaoh to be accepted into the royal family. Moses is given the choice between a crown and burning coals. Guided by divine intervention, he chooses the coals. The choice is meant to show that he will grow to reject the crown, and deliver his people from slavery in Egypt. Steen’s painting invites reflection on questions of identity and destiny. The narrative about choosing the right path resonates deeply, especially when we consider that individual choices are always influenced by race, religion, gender, and social standing. The image leaves us to ponder the weight of our decisions and their far-reaching consequences.