Moses Before the Burning Bush 1663

Claude Mellan's "Moses Before the Burning Bush" (1663), a detailed etching held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. The scene portrays Moses, a humble shepherd, kneeling in awe before a burning bush, which symbolizes God's presence. The intense, swirling flames engulf the bush while God, a majestic figure, appears above, extending a hand towards Moses. This dramatic composition, created through delicate lines and masterful hatching, showcases Mellan's skill in conveying religious themes and achieving remarkable realism within the constraints of the etching medium. The artwork captures the awe and wonder of Moses' encounter with the divine, making it a compelling example of Baroque art's emphasis on dramatic and emotive subject matter.