Scenes from the Book of Exodus, with Moses, Miriam and women dancing, the pillar of cloud, and Pharoah's army inundated by the Red Sea, 1525-1550
Unknown French, 1525 - 1550expand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Gift of James A. Bergquist, Boston, in honor of Rachel McGarryexpand_more 2021.69.4
Not on Viewexpand_more
This complex image includes various scenes from the 15th chapter of the biblical Book of Exodus, in which Moses leads the Israelites in their escape from the Egypt. To place the scenes in the order of the text, they should be read from right to left. At the far right Pharaoh and his army are inundated in the Red Sea (Exodus 15:4-5). Pharaoh himself wears a crown and rides a rearing horse. Next comes Moses's sister Miriam and other women celebrating by dancing, singing, and playing various musical instruments (15:20-21). A band on Miriam's skirt is inscribed "MARIA." At left is Moses, who grasps for a frond on a palm tree. This appears to be a reference to the refugees arrival at Elim, "where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water" (15:27).
The pillar of cloud seen to the left of the Red Sea is not mentioned mentioned in Exodus 15, but it does appear in other chapters as a beacon provided by God to show the Israelites the way to freedom.
At the upper right in a star-lit corner of the sky are two fish, Pisces of the zodiac, appropriate to the significant role water plays in the story. It also invites the question as to whether this rare print was intended as part of a cycle of the zodiac.
Details
- Title
- Scenes from the Book of Exodus, with Moses, Miriam and women dancing, the pillar of cloud, and Pharoah's army inundated by the Red Sea
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2021.69.4
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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