Figure of the Finding of Moses

Art Historical Context

This porcelain sculpture by British artist William Beattie captures the biblical moment from the Book of Exodus when Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the infant Moses in the bulrushes along the Nile. Created around 1859–64, the work brings together multiple figures—including men and women—in a compact yet expressive composition measuring roughly 20 inches high. The medium of porcelain allowed for fine detailing and a luminous surface that highlights the tenderness of the scene. In the mid-nineteenth century, such narrative porcelain figures were popular in British homes, blending religious storyt...