Finding of Moses c. 1690 - 1710

Johannes Voorhout created this small painting, Finding of Moses, using oil on panel. The composition is dominated by cool blues and greens that create a serene yet somewhat somber atmosphere. The figures are arranged in a pyramidal structure that draws the eye from the infant Moses in the lower left to the women standing on the right, up towards the distant landscape. Voorhout’s attention to detail in the drapery and facial expressions contrasts with the more loosely rendered landscape. This contrast creates a visual tension between the foreground and background. This tension invites us to consider the interplay between human action and natural context. The verticality of the cliff face, for example, mirrors the upright stance of the women, linking nature and humanity. These formal relationships guide our interpretation of the biblical narrative. The interplay between form and content enables us to consider the broader themes of destiny, salvation, and the role of nature in shaping human events. Art is a place for ongoing conversation and contemplation.