Oil on canvas, applied on further reinforcing canvas. North Italian School of the 17th century. The scene is taken from the biblical book of Numbers: because the Israelites fleeing from Egypt and wandering in the desert, complained against God for the lack of food and water, God sent poisonous serpents to exterminate them, but also ordered Moses to erect a bronze serpent on a pole, so that whoever, bitten, looked at it, could heal. Symbolically, this gesture, turning one's gaze towards the serpent, implied an act of conversion and faith in God. In this representation, the pole has more specifically the shape of a Cross, anticipating the salvation that will come to men from the Crucified and Risen Christ, who frees men from sin symbolized by the serpent. Moses is at the center of the scene and is pointing to the pole with the serpent, flanked by his brother Aaron; around him are the men and women of Israel, some overcome by serpents, others already kneeling in supplication asking for God's forgiveness. The work is presented in a composite frame with late 19th-century elements, adapted.
Product condition:
Product in good condition, shows minor signs of wear. We try to present the actual state as completely as possible with photos. If some details are not clear from the photos, what is reported in the description is considered valid.
Frame dimensions (cm):
Height: 150
Width: 206
Depth: 10
Artwork dimensions (cm):
Height: 102
Width: 155
ARARPI0307054
