The Infant Moses c. 1876 - 1878

Gustave Moreau painted this image of "The Infant Moses" during the mid-19th century, a time of significant social and political change in France, and the height of European colonialism. Moreau’s artistic vision often intertwined mythological and biblical narratives with his own personal experiences, and the painting presents a complex layering of power dynamics. We see the story of Moses, who escapes the decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, set against the backdrop of a romanticized ancient Egypt. This period was one of both fascination and domination, as France and other European powers expanded their empires, often appropriating and distorting the cultures they encountered. Gustave Moreau creates an alternative to traditional depictions, inviting us to reflect on the intertwined themes of identity, power, and cultural narrative. How do we reconcile the aesthetic beauty of the painting with the historical context of oppression and cultural appropriation?