The Finding of Moses 1725 - 1747

Anton Kern’s pen and wash drawing, The Finding of Moses, presents a dynamic composition rendered in delicate grey tones. The artist uses a traditional, historical narrative as a stage to explore visual contrasts and hierarchical arrangements. The drawing is structured around the gaze and gestures of its figures, leading us through a sequence of reactions to the central event: the discovery of Moses. The women, arranged in a semi-circle, direct our attention from left to right, from the act of unveiling the child to expressions of surprise and contemplation. Kern uses light and shadow to sculpt the forms, creating depth and imbuing the scene with a sense of drama. The texture created by his pen work adds a layer of complexity to the composition. The contrast between the smoothness of the figures' skin and the textured drapery accentuates the emotional weight of the scene. This interplay of texture, light, and shadow invites us to consider how Kern uses these formal elements to construct meaning and engage with the viewer on an emotional level.