The Finding of Moses by Pharaoh's Daughter (one of a pair) 1545

This painted glass panel, crafted in St. Gallen in 1545, depicts the finding of Moses, an iconic scene laden with symbols of salvation and divine intervention. At its heart, we see Pharaoh’s daughter discovering the infant Moses in a basket, an act of compassion that defies her father’s decree. This act of rescue is reminiscent of other myths and legends, echoing the widespread motif of the hero saved from near-certain doom. Consider, for instance, the tale of Romulus and Remus, suckled by a she-wolf, or Perseus, cast adrift with his mother. The motif of the abandoned child, often found in water, speaks to a deep-seated, collective anxiety and hope. It embodies our primal fears of abandonment, countered by an enduring belief in miraculous salvation. The rediscovery of Moses is a powerful symbol that resonates through time, a testament to the enduring human capacity for empathy. As you continue, consider how these archetypal stories and images continue to surface, shaping our collective unconscious.