Mozes 1600 - 1669

Ludwig Büsinck created this print of Moses in the early 17th century. In it, Moses is seated, with the tablets of the law by his side. This image wasn't made in isolation. It participates in a long history of representing biblical figures in art, a practice deeply embedded in Western culture and institutions like the church and the art market. The visual codes here – Moses's long beard, the tablets, and even the strange ‘horns’ atop his head which are likely a mistranslation of the Hebrew word for radiance - all contribute to a recognizable image. The print was made in France, during a time when religious and political power were closely intertwined. Artists often navigated these complexities, producing works that both served and subtly questioned the established order. To truly understand this print, we need to consider the social and institutional context in which it was made and used. Art historical research, including examining patronage records, contemporary theological texts, and the artist's biography, can shed light on its complex meanings. Art is never created in a vacuum; it reflects and shapes the society around it.