Moses Showing the Tables of the Law c. 1579

Editor: Here we have Johann Sadeler’s "Moses Showing the Tables of the Law". The printwork feels very grand and theatrical, and I'm curious about its composition, what do you see? Curator: The print excels in its masterful use of line and form. Note the receding planes, established by the meticulous rendering of the figures. The formal arrangement guides our eye to the radiant Moses, at the print’s center. Editor: So, the organization is primarily what strikes you? Curator: Indeed. The piece commands attention through its strategic use of light and shadow, creating a dramatic depth that enhances the narrative. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It is always rewarding to delve into the formal qualities.