Antonio Molinari (1655-1704), Finding Moses

124 x 173.5 cm
Oil on canvas

Antonio Molinari was the son of the painter Giovanni Molinari and learned from the well-known representative of tenebrism - Antonio Zanchi (1631-1722). In the Collegio dei pittori, an association of painters in Venice, he held the position of consigliere in 1682, and in 1699 the position of sindaco. In 1771, Anton Maria Zanetti called him "a vigorous and original genius" (Della Pittura Veneziana, Venezia 1771, libro V, p. 407: "Genio vigoroso ed originale"). The famous Giovanni Battista Piazzetta (1682–1754) was Molinari's pupil, and was influenced by his style of tenebrism. The light in this painting mainly emphasizes the light skin of the main characters. The emphasized realism of his teacher Zanchi gave way to a harmoniously rhythmic composition of figures, which is also filled with psychological intensity. The description focuses on the handing over of the basket with Moses to Pharaoh's maidservant daughter. She looks at the child with concern and leans forward to reach the basket. The small child stretches his arms and kicks his feet. His body is highlighted by a white fabric that shines brightly among the muted tones of the women's clothing, which together form a color harmony. A surprised boy runs into the scene from the right. According to Dario Succi, it is a mature work that can be dated to the last decade of the 17th century. It is an important testimony to the development of Molinari's style in the transitional phase of the Venetian Baroque from the seicento, to the settecento. Expert opinion by Dario Succi.