The Finding of Moses
1741
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1741
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This scene shows a group of people gathered around a basket floating in a river. A woman kneels beside it, reaching in, while others stand nearby—some pointing, others watching. In the background, palm trees and distant buildings line the shore, and a large tree stands on the right. The artist used deep shadows and light to create drama, making the figures stand out against the muted landscape. The mood feels tense, like a moment of discovery. This is called *chiaroscuro*—check out how it works in woodcut.