Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law (1560 – 1562) by Tintoretto

Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law - Tintoretto - 1560 - 1562

Artwork Information

TitleMoses Receiving the Tables of the Law
ArtistTintoretto
Date1560 - 1562
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)

About Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law

The artwork, titled “Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law,” was created by the renowned artist Tintoretto between 1560 and 1562. This masterpiece, rendered in oil on canvas, belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting.

“Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law” is a profound and dynamic depiction rooted in the Biblical narrative. The composition is vertically aligned and features an arch-shaped top, designed to complement the architectural space it inhabits. At the pinnacle of the artwork, dramatically lit figures of angels and divine beings descend amidst billowing clouds, embodying divine intervention. At the center, Moses is portrayed receiving the commandments, his demeanor blending reverence and awe. The lower section is teeming with a contrasting earthly scene, where a multitude of figures, draped in rich, flowing garments, engage in various acts that suggest a departure from divine commandments, highlighting human frailty amidst divine grandeur. Tintoretto’s expert use of chiaroscuro and exaggerated poses exemplifies the stylistic characteristics of Mannerism, emphasizing drama and tension throughout the piece.

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