1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
The Brazen Serpent of Moses is a 1650 by Schelte Bolswert, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows a chaotic scene with a crowd of people in dramatic poses. Some are sprawled on the ground, others reach toward the sky, and a few stand tall. A giant snake twists above a man holding a staff, while others clutch at their bodies or each other. The dark, swirling background makes the figures stand out sharply. Notice how the artist uses deep shadows and strong light to create a sense of movement and emotion. The contrast between light and dark helps draw your eye to the central figures. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like this one.
The engraving depicts Moses raising the bronze serpent as described in the biblical narrative, rendered after a composition by Rubens. Printed on paper, the image includes the inscribed text "Fecit ergo Moyses" and additional scriptural references. The scene illustrates the Israelites' deliverance from plague through the elevated serpent, a symbol of divine healing.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Schelte a Bolswert or Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert was a Frisian engraver who worked most of his career in Antwerp where he was one of the lead engravers in Rubens' workshop. He is known for his reproductive works after…
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