Art

And the child grew and she brought him into Pharaohs daughter, and he became her son. And she called him Moses. The painting upon which this engraving is based was created by William Hogarth for his favourite charity, the Foundling Hospital. The scene depicts the boy Moses being entrusted by his mother, dressed as a nurse, to the care of the Princess of Egypt. She accepts payment for her services from a stern treasurer. Immediately behind his face is a large column where a faintly comic face has been drawn. Moses stares at the elegantly attired Princess but stays with his mother. The Princess affectionately extends her hand to the boy, yet, at the base of her chair, a small but sinister crocodile threatens. To the left, two servants engage in serious gossip. Engraved by COOK,T. Copper engraving. Uncoloured. Size: 53.5 x 42 cm. (21 x 16½ inches)