Het vinden van Mozes before 1667

Moses ter Borch created this drawing, "Het vinden van Mozes", or "The Finding of Moses," using pen in gray on gray paper. In the biblical story, the Pharaoh ordered all male Hebrew babies to be killed. To save her son, Moses' mother placed him in a basket and set it afloat on the Nile. Here, we see the moment when Pharaoh's daughter discovers the infant Moses in the river. Ter Borch captures the emotional intensity of this scene, highlighting themes of rescue and divine intervention. Notice how the figures are rendered. The artist’s use of light and shadow emphasizes the dramatic tension and emotional depth, inviting us to reflect on the themes of fate, identity, and liberation. Consider how the image resonates with ideas about cultural and religious identity. The story of Moses has been interpreted through diverse lenses across centuries. It represents survival against oppression, the formation of identity through adversity, and the enduring power of hope and faith.