Moses Treading on the Crown of Pharoah c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Bouillard's "Moses Treading on the Crown of Pharaoh." It's quite dramatic! There's a real tension between the figures. What historical narratives might be influencing its reception? Curator: It's interesting to consider how depictions like this serve a political function. Bouillard, working in the late 18th century, presents Moses's rejection of power. How might this image resonate with ideas circulating during the Enlightenment about challenging authority, and even divine right? Editor: So, it’s not just a biblical scene, but a statement on power? Curator: Precisely. And consider the role of public imagery. Images like this were disseminated widely. They shaped public opinion about the role of leadership and the potential for resistance. What does this piece say about the relationship between art and social change? Editor: I never thought of it that way! It makes you wonder how people at the time would have really interpreted it.