The Hiding of Moses

The Hiding of Moses by William Blake, executed in 1824, is a profound example of the British Romantic artist's approach to Biblical illustration using the medium of engraving. Classified specifically as a print, this piece demonstrates the meticulous line work and visionary complexity that defined Blake's late career during the period of 1801 to 1825.

The subject matter, drawn from the Book of Exodus, depicts the critical moment when the infant Moses is placed into a small ark (basket) among the reeds of the Nile River by his mother, Jochebed, in an effort to save him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male newborns. Blake utilizes his characteristic style, emphasizing the human form with elongated, powerful musculature, lending the figures an epic and spiritual resonance. The composition is taut with dramatic tension, capturing the desperation of the mother and the fragile hope represented by the hidden child. This focus on intense spiritual and mythological themes was central to Blake’s unique contribution to British art.

The technical precision evident in the execution of the engraving highlights Blake's sustained mastery of printmaking. Unlike many of his contemporaries who embraced softer, more atmospheric techniques, Blake favored the sharp delineation achieved through engraving, often using it to convey deeply personal theological narratives.

This historically significant print resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, confirming its status as a pivotal work within the artist’s oeuvre. Given its origin and collection history, the image often circulates through public domain resources, ensuring broad access to Blake's compelling visual interpretation of sacred history. The work serves as a vital document for understanding the fusion of religious devotion and Romantic individualism that characterized this specific era of print production.