Artwork
Moses Surrounded by the Patriarchs

Moses Surrounded by the Patriarchs is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jean Duvet. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"DVVET" recto, on plate, on floor at lower left. "NO ERIT / IN TE DEUS / RECENS / NEQ ADO / RABIS DEV / ALIENVM / EGO SVM / DNS DEVS / TVVS" recto, on plate on double-tablet at upper center. "NOE, ABRA / ILA /AC, IACOB, MELCHE, MOY / SES, IESSE, DAVID, IOSEPH, MARIE / IESUS" recto, on plate, on columns from left to right. "5" recto, upper right margin, black ink, unknown hand. "N. 2" recto, lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "4" recto, lower right margin, faded black ink, unknown hand. No. 2" verso, lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand.
- Markings
- Marked:Collection d'Arenberg (Lugt 567) verso, lower left margin, blue stamped ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, lower right margin, black stamped ink. "LJR" verso, lower right margin, black stamped ink.
About this work
Overview
Moses Surrounded by the Patriarchs is an engraving on laid paper created by Jean Duvet around 1555. It exemplifies the artist's distinctive style, characterized by dense compositions and deep religious themes.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a central figure holding stone tablets, surrounded by robed men with various attributes, such as crowns and staffs. The names on the columns, including 'Noe' and 'Moses', suggest a biblical context, with the figures representing important religious figures.
Technique & Style
Duvet employed cross-hatching to create depth and texture through fine lines, building up shadows and detail. The resulting image is dense and intricate, with a focus on symbolic representation rather than realistic portrayal.
History & Provenance
Jean Duvet, active from 1485 to after 1562, was a French goldsmith and engraver considered the first significant French printmaker. He produced around 73 plates, known for their expressive freedom and personal style.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Duvet (1485 – after 1562) was a French Renaissance goldsmith and engraver, now best known for his engravings.


















