The Finding of Moses

The Finding of Moses by Charles de La Fosse: A Masterpiece of Baroque Art

The Artist: Charles de La Fosse

Charles de La Fosse (1636–1716) stands among the leading French painters of the Baroque era, celebrated for his inventive use of color and graceful compositions. Trained under Charles Le Brun and influenced by Italian masters such as Veronese and Titian during his time in Venice and Rome, La Fosse contributed significantly to the evolution of French painting from the grandiose classicism of Le Brun to the luminous Rococo style. His works adorned the most prestigious interiors of his time, including the Palace of Versailles, cementing his legacy within the French artistic tradition.

Historical Context of the Artwork

The Finding of Moses was completed in oil on canvas, epitomizing the grandeur and drama of late 17th-century French painting. Created during a period of intense artistic production for the French royal court, the work reflects both the religious fervor and sophisticated tastes of Louis XIV’s reign. French culture at this time was deeply intertwined with classical antiquity and biblical narratives, which were commonly used to convey messages of virtue, authority, and divine providence.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The painting illustrates a pivotal moment from the Old Testament (Exodus 2:1–10): the rescue of the infant Moses from the River Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter. This narrative resonated deeply within Judeo-Christian tradition as a story of salvation, destiny, and divine intervention. Moses, later a prophet and leader, is depicted at the beginning of his journey, symbolizing hope for deliverance and the founding of a great nation.

In the context of French monarchy, this theme carried additional connotations. The association of Moses—rescued from peril and chosen by God—with the Sun King emphasized notions of divinely ordained rule and the special destiny of France and its monarch.

Symbolism and Iconography

La Fosse’s The Finding of Moses is rich in symbolism, shaped by both religious doctrine and courtly allegory. Key figures include:

• Pharaoh’s Daughter: Clad in elegant, opulent robes, she embodies both compassion and royal authority. Her gesture of reaching toward Moses is central, highlighting the act of salvation.
• Moses: The vulnerable infant in the basket on the riverbank, swaddled and radiant, represents innocence, the chosen one, and the future deliverer.
• Attendants and Onlookers: These courtly women and servants evoke the grandeur of Egyptian royalty, while also providing a frame for the central action. Their gestures and gazes direct attention to Moses, reinforcing his significance.

Other elements—lush riverbank foliage, soft light, and flowing garments—contribute to the painting’s narrative and visual richness. The inclusion of the river, reeds, and Moses’ basket emphasize the miraculous nature of his rescue and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Artistic Techniques

La Fosse was celebrated for his painterly touch and vibrant palette, evident throughout The Finding of Moses. Notable techniques include:

• Color: Influenced by Venetian masters, La Fosse adopted a lively, saturated palette. The golden hues of the garments, soft blues of the river, and subtle play of greens create a harmonious yet dynamic composition.
• Light: The artist skillfully orchestrates light to draw focus. Pharaoh’s daughter and Moses are bathed in gentle illumination, while surrounding figures and landscapes recede into a softer chiaroscuro. This manipulation of light not only guides the viewer’s eye but also imbues the scene with dramatic immediacy.
• Brushwork: La Fosse’s loose, energetic brushstrokes suggest texture and movement, especially in draperies and natural elements. This technique distinguishes his work from the stricter linearity of earlier French classicism, contributing to a sense of naturalism and spontaneity.
• Composition: The balanced yet dynamic arrangement of figures exemplifies La Fosse’s mastery of space. The curving postures and rhythmic gestures lead the viewer through the narrative, while the overall triangular composition ensures stability and unity.

Cultural Impact

The Finding of Moses occupies a significant place in both religious and artistic history. It served the dual purpose of edifying its religious message and showcasing courtly sophistication. For contemporaries of La Fosse, the artwork reflected the cultivated tastes of France’s elite and reinforced the power of biblical allegory in public life.

Throughout subsequent centuries, the painting has continued to be appreciated for its beauty and technical brilliance. It stands as a testament to the vibrancy and adaptability of Baroque art, particularly in the context of religious painting. La Fosse’s influence extended to younger generations of French painters, such as Watteau and the Rococo movement, who echoed his sensitivity to color and form.

In modern times, The Finding of Moses is recognized not only as a devotional work but also as an essential link in the evolution of French art, bridging the grandeur of the Baroque with the lightness and lyricism that would follow.

Sources

• Bordes, Philippe. French Art from Watteau to David: The Eighteenth Century in the Hermitage Museum. Thames & Hudson, 2014.
• Bailey, Colin B. The Loves of the Gods: Mythological Painting from Watteau to David. Rizzoli, 1992.
• The National Gallery. “The Finding of Moses.” The National Gallery Collection
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Charles de La Fosse (French, 1636–1716).” Metropolitan Museum Collection
• Honour, Hugh, and John Fleming. A World History of Art. Laurence King Publishing, 2009.