Moses Brought to Pharaoh’s Daughter

"Moses Brought to Pharaoh’s Daughter" by William Hogarth English, 1697–1764, is a notable example of 18th-century draftsmanship, executed in 1751. Although categorized as a print in classification records, this piece is rendered using the expressive qualities of various red chalks on cream laid paper. The technical complexity is evident in Hogarth’s application of multiple chalk hues; one specific red pigment has undergone oxidation over time, darkening to a rich black tone that provides unexpected visual depth and contrast to the finished composition.

The work illustrates the biblical narrative from Exodus, capturing the dramatic moment when the infant Moses, having been discovered in the bulrushes, is presented to the Egyptian princess who will raise him. As a central figure in Georgian England’s art scene, Hogarth was known for producing powerful narratives, whether moralizing social satires or historical subjects like this one. While widely celebrated for his sequential prints such as A Rake's Progress, this finely detailed study showcases his capability to work directly in drawing media, likely serving as a preparatory stage before the image was translated into a widely disseminated print or painting.

This finished drawing exemplifies the technical prowess of Hogarth and offers valuable insight into his creative process. It highlights how English artists approached complex figure compositions during the mid-1700s. The piece resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Given its age and status as a significant historical artwork, reproductions of this important work often enter the public domain, making it accessible for scholarly research and appreciation worldwide.