Moïse 1699

Gérard Edelinck's print portrays Moses with the tablets of the law, a powerful image rendered in ink on paper. Dominating the composition are the ‘horns’ sprouting from Moses' head, symbols arising from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word for ‘radiance.’ This motif transcends religious contexts, mirroring the classical depiction of figures like Alexander the Great, often adorned with horns to signify divinity and power. The horns on Moses, however, evoke a complex interplay between fear and reverence. Consider the psychological impact: the horns, though intended to represent enlightenment, can also subconsciously trigger associations with the monstrous. The image becomes charged with the tension between divine law and primal instinct. As we observe this visual representation, remember how symbols evolve, their meanings are continually reshaped through cultural memory and interpretation.