De Israëlieten in Egypte onderdrukt / Mozes wordt gevonden 1716 - 1791

This print, by Pieter Tanjé, depicts two scenes from the Book of Exodus. It speaks to the complex intertwining of religious narrative, artistic representation, and socio-political commentary in the 18th century. In the upper scene, we see the Israelites oppressed in Egypt, forced into hard labor. The lower scene shows the finding of Moses. These images were created in a time of significant social stratification and colonial expansion, where questions of identity, freedom, and oppression were very relevant. The Israelites' plight mirrors contemporary struggles for liberation. The artist's choice to represent the figures in this particular style contributes to a visual dialogue about power, race, and representation, inviting us to consider whose stories are told, how they are told, and why. What does it mean to create images of suffering and salvation, and how do these images resonate across different cultural and historical contexts? This print serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice, a narrative deeply embedded in both religious and secular histories.