The Finding of Moses (Moses in the Bulrushes)
Print; large-scale engraving/etching on paper, mounted and framed. • Engraving by John Browne (1741–1801) or a contemporary, after the original 1651 painting by Salvator Rosa.
Style & Movement
Neoclassical / Baroque Revival. This is a British printmaking interpretation of an Italian Baroque composition.
Medium & Technique
Engraving and etching. The work utilizes fine line hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal depth, characteristic of 18th-century reproductive printmaking.
Creation Period
Circa 1770–1790 (based on the engraving style and period popularity of the subject).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (plate size estimate); landscape format.
Subject Description
The biblical scene from Exodus 2:5-6 depicting Pharaoh's daughter and her attendants discovering the infant Moses in a basket (ark) on the banks of the Nile. The princess stands centrally in light-colored robes, gesturing toward the child, surrounded by diverse handmaidens in a lush, wooded landscape with a classical bridge and buildings in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The print shows significant evidence of age-related darkening and likely light damage.
Estimated Market Value
$250 – $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 – $350 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely mid-to-late 20th-century residential acquisition based on the Chinoiserie wallpaper context. Common in 18th-century English country house collections.
Art Historical Significance
A fine example of the British tradition of reproductive engraving, which allowed the middle class to own copies of famous Old Master paintings. Salvator Rosa was highly influential on the British aesthetic of the 'Sublime' and the 'Picturesque.'
Notable Features
The composition follows Salvator Rosa's specific arrangement where figures are integrated into a dominant landscape, a hallmark of his 'Grand Manner' style.
Condition Issues
Visible browning/toning of the paper (acidification), potential foxing, and notable fading due to UV exposure. The paper appears slightly wavy, suggesting it may not be mounted to modern archival standards.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend examination by a paper conservator. The work should be reframed using acid-free museum-grade mats and UV-protective glass to prevent further darkening and brittleness.