Who painted Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket?

Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket was painted by Guilliam du Gardijn in 1622.

Where can I see Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket?

Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket?

Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket?

Museum-quality prints of Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket

Guilliam du Gardijn , 1622

Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Guilliam du Gardijn. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses entirely on this singular act of discovery, serving as a devotional image that recalls the origins of the Hebrew leader.

Guilliam du Gardijn's 1622 oil painting depicts the biblical narrative of the Finding of Moses, a scene from religious tradition where Pharaoh's daughter discovers the infant hidden in a basket among the reeds. As the main subject, this moment represents divine providence and the intersection of royal power with humble salvation. The work functions as a visual interpretation of this specific scriptural event, utilizing the medium of oil on panel to render the figures and setting associated with the Old Testament story.

The composition focuses entirely on this singular act of discovery, serving as a devotional image that recalls the origins of the Hebrew leader.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint on panel in 1622, the work exhibits the smooth, enamel-like handling typical of early seventeenth-century Dutch cabinet painting, with careful glazing to model the drapery and figures. The composition is organized along a shallow, stage-like recession, directing the viewer’s eye from the central group of Pharaoh’s daughter and attendants toward the diagonally placed basket with the infant Moses. Stylistic features include sharply delineated anatomy and costume details, set against a softly painted landscape background that recedes into atmospheric haze.

The panel’s dimensions are 75.7 cm in height by 109.5 cm in width, consistent with contemporary Dutch history paintings designed for private devotion or display.

History & Provenance

Created in 1622, the oil-on-panel painting Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the rush basket was executed by the artist Guilliam du Gardijn. The work measures 75.7 cm in height and 109.5 cm in width. Historical records indicate that the piece was once part of the collection of Abraham Bredius before entering the holdings of the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts the religious subject of the Finding of Moses.

Overview

Guilliam du Gardijn’s oil painting, dated 1622, depicts the biblical episode in which the Egyptian princess discovers the infant Moses hidden in a basket of reeds. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and presents the narrative in a tranquil, river‑bank setting.

Context

The work reflects the continued interest of Dutch artists in biblical narratives during the post‑Reformation era, when such subjects were rendered with domestic tranquility rather than overt drama. Du Gardijn’s treatment aligns with contemporary trends that favored naturalistic settings and understated emotional expression.