De vinding van Mozes 1744 - 1781

Jean Baptist Leprince created this watercolor, “The Finding of Moses,” during the height of the Rococo period in France. Rococo was known for its ornate and theatrical style. It privileged light-hearted subject matter that was a departure from the solemn and moralizing themes of previous eras. Notice how Leprince represents the biblical story of Moses' discovery with a distinct sensibility. Instead of emphasizing the plight of the enslaved Hebrews, the artwork frames the scene as one of elegant curiosity, perhaps even luxury. The women who find Moses are depicted with refined features and dress, their expressions more intrigued than deeply moved. It's hard to ignore the racial and class implications here; this Moses seems destined for a life far removed from the hardships of his kin. How does it feel to see a story of potential liberation framed through such a privileged lens? It invites us to think about the many ways historical narratives can be manipulated to serve particular social and political agendas.