The Finding of Moses
c. 1581-1582
Paolo Veronese treats this biblical scene like a high-fashion Venetian runway show, dressing Pharaoh's daughter in shimmering gold silk that belongs in a 16th-century palace rather than ancient Egypt. As the baby Moses is dramatically unveiled, a musician in the foreground strums a tune, turning a solemn religious moment into a lively party. Veronese loved luxury so much that the Inquisition once put him on trial for including 'irrelevant' jesters and dogs in his holy paintings—he cheekily just changed the title to 'Feast in the House of Levi' to escape punishment!
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: Museo del Prado
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