The artwork titled “Moses with the Ten Commandments” is attributed to the artist or school known as “Orthodox Icons” and dates back to circa 500-600. Executed in the medium of mosaic, this artwork is a representative example of the Early Byzantine art movement, which spanned from approximately 330 to 750. It belongs to the genre of iconography, focusing on the depiction of saints, and is part of a series related to saintly figures. This particular piece is housed at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, located on Mount Sinai in Egypt.
The artwork portrays Moses in a dynamic and emotionally charged moment as he receives the Ten Commandments from God. Moses is depicted barefoot, displaying traditional symbolism of holy ground. His facial expression is one of focused intensity, conveying the gravitas of the divine revelation. The mosaic features intricate details, particularly in Moses’ garments which exhibit a soft, flowing texture through the use of fine tesserae. The background contrasts sharply with the figure, utilizing gold and dark shades to suggest both the sacred nature of the event and the harsh, unyielding wilderness in which it occurred. This piece is a remarkable example of Byzantine mosaic iconography, combining spiritual symbolism with the technical prowess of early medieval artistry.