Italian school of the second third of the 18th century

Italian school of the second third of the 18th century.
“Moses Saved from the Waters.”
Oil on canvas.
Period frame.
Measurements: 60 x 78 cm; 84 x 66 x 4 cm (frame).

The artist depicts the moment when Moses is found and rescued from the waters (Exodus 2:1–10). The Pharaoh’s daughter, while going to bathe, notices the basket containing the child; moved with compassion, she decides to take the child in and find a wet nurse to feed him. The scene features the Pharaoh’s daughter, standing adorned with rich jewelry in her headdress, Miriam (who volunteered to be Moses’ wet nurse), and other maidens. Formally, the execution is delicate and controlled, with a smooth surface on which brushstrokes are barely visible. The modeling is achieved through glazes and tonal gradations, characteristic of a painting with a refined finish.