The Infant Moses, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1863 - 1881

Simeon Solomon created this print, "The Infant Moses," as part of "Dalziels' Bible Gallery." It depicts the moment Moses is discovered, cradled in his sister's arms, echoing the Madonna and Child motif seen throughout Renaissance art. The act of cradling – a gesture of protection and nurture – transcends cultures. We see echoes of this in ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis with Horus, the mother goddess protecting her divine child. The swaddling, too, speaks volumes. It is a universal sign of care, also reminiscent of the burial shroud, hinting at mortality and the preciousness of life. Consider how these motifs are used to engage viewers on a deeply subconscious level. This image evokes a sense of primal empathy, tapping into our collective memory of infancy, maternal love, and the innate desire to protect the vulnerable. The cyclical progression of these symbols underscores their enduring relevance, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings as they weave their way through the tapestry of human history.