The Finding of Moses

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Finding of Moses*, captivating 18th-century print published by Joseph Wagner after a composition by the Venetian Rococo painter Jacopo Amoni, circa 1745. This biblical scene depicts Pharaoh's daughter discovering the infant Moses among the reeds of the Nile, a moment of divine providence from the Book of Exodus. Amigoni, renowned for his elegant, theatrical style blending Venetian grandeur with Rococo grace, infused the original painting with dynamic figures, lush landscapes, and dramatic lighting—qualities faithfully captured in Wagner's reproductive print. Crafted through etching and engraving on laid paper, the work exemplifies the technical virtuosity of 18th-century printmaking. Etching allowed for fluid, painterly lines mimicking Amigoni's brushstrokes, while engraving added precise details and rich tonal depth. Measuring 51.5 x 33.7 cm, this trimmed sheet was designed for collectors, making high art accessible beyond elite patrons. Prints like this proliferated Wagner's Venetian workshop, disseminating Amigoni's oeuvre across Europe. Acquired through the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund for the National Gallery of Art's collection, *The Finding of Moses* highlights the era's fusion of religious narrative and ornamental beauty, inviting visitors to ponder its enduring cultural resonance in the Age of Enlightenment.