Mozes in het biezenkistje 1817 - 1856

Paul Delaroche painted "Moses in the Basket" sometime during the 19th century. This was a time of great social change and the rise of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and individualism. Delaroche captures a scene of vulnerability and hope. We see a baby Moses afloat in a small basket among the reeds, watched over by his sister. The painting evokes deep emotions about protection, family, and survival against all odds. The narrative of Moses is powerful, a Jewish child saved by his family during the decree of the Pharoah to kill all male newborns, and later adopted into the Egyptian royal family. The image isn't just a depiction of biblical narrative but a poignant reflection on the universal themes of identity and heritage. It encourages us to consider the role of women in protecting and nurturing new life, the resilience of marginalized communities, and the complex interplay between faith and cultural identity. It also reflects the emotional dimensions of identity, history and faith.