Artwork

Moses and the Brazen Serpent

Moses and the Brazen Serpent, by Luigi Ademollo, ink, 1806
Moses and the Brazen Serpent, by Luigi Ademollo, ink, 1806

Moses and the Brazen Serpent is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Luigi Ademollo. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, upper right verso in graphite: B

About this work

Overview

Moses and the Brazen Serpent is a drawing by Luigi Ademollo, created in 1806 using pen and black ink, with black wash and white gouache on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a biblical scene where a crowd of people, some standing and some kneeling, reach towards a giant snake coiled on a pole, their faces turned towards it in desperation, suggesting a narrative of salvation or healing.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by scratchy, uneven lines and the use of white gouache to add texture to shadows, conveying a sense of movement and emotion through quick, rough strokes, giving it a sketch-like quality.

Brazen Serpent, from Michael Angelo
Brazen Serpent, from Michael Angelo, William Sharp

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Moses and the Brazen Serpent?

Moses and the Brazen Serpent was painted by Luigi Ademollo in 1806.

Where can I see Moses and the Brazen Serpent?

Moses and the Brazen Serpent is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Moses and the Brazen Serpent?

Moses and the Brazen Serpent is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Moses and the Brazen Serpent?

Museum-quality prints of Moses and the Brazen Serpent are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.