Moses and the Brazen Serpent
1610 Courtauld Gallery
About this artwork
This large-scale oil painting depicts the biblical scene of Moses elevating the brazen serpent to heal the Israelites of snake bites. It is characterized by the dynamic compositions and dramatic lighting typical of Rubens's mature style.
Did you know?
This painting depicts a dramatic moment from the Book of Numbers, where God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent to save his people from a plague of venomous snakes. Rubens used intense emotional expression and muscular anatomy to emphasize the desperation and faith of the suffering Israelites. It serves as a classic example of Baroque art, utilizing high contrast and movement to guide the viewer's eye upward toward the symbol of salvation.
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Moses and the Brazen Serpent
Peter Paul Rubens, 1610
