Moses in the Bulrushes1800–1825Sheet: 14 x 17 " (35.6 x 43.2 cm)Pencil, watercolor, ink on paperGift of Stephen Mazoh2002.30.50Depiction of Moses in a basket with three women in landscape with classical stone fence and columns with pond and bullrushes in foreground. Probably derived from a print source and executed by a schoolgirl in an academy.1543403113Artist unidentifiedDrawingsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesWorks on Paper
The queen—a crowned female—is a recurring theme in American folk art and often has religious connotations. In early nineteenth-century seminary schools and ladies’ academies, religious topics were deemed the most appropriate subjects for artistic accomplishments such as needlework and watercolor painting taught to young girls. The story of Moses in the Bulrushes was an especially popular biblical chapter, in part because it spoke to the virtues of motherhood and morality that such schools were dedicated to inculcating in their students. This proficient example was probably copied from a source print provided by the schoolmistress at an as yet unidentified school.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Moses in the Bulrushes," exhibition label for Jubilation|Rumination: Life, Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18001825 2002 30 5 The queen—a crowned female—is a recurring theme in American folk art and often has religious connotations. In early nineteenth-century seminary schools and ladies’ academies, religious topics were deemed the most appropriate subjects for artistic accomplishments such as needlework and watercolor painting taught to young girls. The story of Moses in the Bulrushes was an especially popular biblical chapter, in part because it spoke to the virtues of motherhood and morality that such schools were dedicated to inculcating in their students. This proficient example was probably copied from a source print provided by the schoolmistress at an as yet unidentified school.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Moses in the Bulrushes," exhibition label for Jubilation|Rumination: Life, Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org