Moses and Pharaoh's Crown

1167 voorzijde

Moses and Pharaoh's Crown

Jan Steen
c.c.1670

1167 - zaal 14

Steen only painted a couple of religious scenes – and this is one of them. The story is about Moses who, as a child, is seen by the pharaoh’s counsellors as a threat to Egypt. They test the toddler by making him choose between gold and a dish of glowing coals. In his innocence, Moses picks up a coal and burns himself.

Steen depicted the story as a farce, focusing on the annoyance of the pharaoh and the crying toddler, who turns to his foster mother for comfort.

oil on canvas
78 x 79 cm.
Acquisition with the support of BankGiro Lottery, 2011