Architectural Caprice with Moses Saved from the Water

Francisco Guti�rrez Cabello is an artist who stands out among the group of Madrid painters by always setting his scenes in rich constructions, as exemplified by the present composition. He excels in arranging complex and sumptuous architectural backdrops, most of which are derived from printed Flemish models such as those by Hans Vredeman de Vries, combining Gothic and Mannerist forms. In such luxurious surroundings he sets evangelical or biblical scenes peopled by slight vivacious characters. His colouring is usually bright and vivid, his skies intensely blue.

In this case the episode depicted is the biblical tale of the rescue of Moses from the waters of the river Nile by the Pharaoh’s daughter. The numerous characters dressed in luxurious costumes and the circle of maidservants accompanying the Pharaoh’s daughter form a colourful ensemble. Fantastic regal rowing boats sail the Nile, while carriages drawn by white horses wait on the waterfront, all of which are totally anachronistic features.