print, intaglio, engraving
narrative-art
baroque
intaglio
old engraving style
landscape
figuration
history-painting
engraving
Dimensions: height 358 mm, width 451 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is an engraving of "Moses being found", made by François Bourlier in the late 17th century. The scene is dominated by its balanced composition and the flowing lines which direct our gaze across the groups of figures arranged in a semi-circle. Bourlier uses the contrast between light and shadow to highlight key moments of the narrative. The delicate hatching technique gives a sense of depth, particularly in the landscape. The artist balances the detailed foreground with a more open, atmospheric background featuring architectural elements, a bridge, and a distant town. The women’s gestures convey a range of emotions from surprise to maternal tenderness. Bourlier uses a visual language that reflects the values of his time. While the image tells a biblical story, its refined aesthetic aligns with the period's taste for classical form and elegant design. The print functions as both a religious illustration and a display of technical skill, inviting viewers to contemplate the formal qualities and cultural values.
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