The Finding of Moses c. 1660 - 1665

Salvator Rosa painted “The Finding of Moses,” capturing a pivotal biblical moment amidst a dramatic landscape. The act of finding, of revelation, is central. The waters, a common motif, not only serve as the literal setting but also symbolically represent the source of life and the unconscious. Think of the many myths and rituals where water signifies purification, rebirth, and the unknown depths of the human psyche. Note also the protective posture of the women around Moses; gestures echoing the Madonna of Mercy, a motif extending far back into antiquity and across cultures. This posture speaks to the universal human desire to safeguard innocence, a deep-seated emotional and psychological impulse. Over time, the meaning of these gestures and symbols has evolved. The maternal protection now visible in Rosa's painting, initially rooted in ancient fertility rites, was transformed through Christian iconography. The persistence of these motifs reveals the enduring power of collective memory. They resurface and evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to new cultural contexts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.