Departure of the Infant Moses c. 18th century

Curator: This sepia drawing captures a dramatic scene. It’s Nicolaas Verkolje’s, "Departure of the Infant Moses." Editor: I'm immediately struck by the composition, all done in shades of brown. It creates a sense of urgency and secrecy, like a clandestine exchange is happening. Curator: It certainly does. The narrative draws from the Book of Exodus, depicting Moses's mother placing him in a basket to save him from the Pharaoh’s decree. The women huddled together reflect the limited power they had within that society. Editor: I see how Verkolje uses line weight and shading to direct our eyes. The figures are positioned in a way that creates a strong diagonal line, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a powerful intersection of faith, desperation, and the resilience of women in the face of oppression. Editor: The tonality, so rich and earthy, adds to the timeless quality of this pivotal moment. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that these narratives continue to resonate across different cultures and time periods.