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The Finding of Moses

John Baptist Jackson

1741

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

The Finding of Moses is a 1741 ink by John Baptist Jackson, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Baptist Jackson
When & what style?: 1741 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a scene from the biblical story of Moses, with a group of people gathered around a baby in a basket. The figures are dressed in flowing robes, and the atmosphere is one of reverence and awe. In the foreground, a woman is shown holding the baby, while others look on with interest. The background of the painting is dark and shadowy, with the figures emerging from the gloom. The overall effect is one of drama and tension, as if the scene is about to unfold before our eyes. The use of chiaroscuro in this woodcut adds depth and volume to the figures, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. To learn more about this technique, look up the artist Jackson, John Baptist.