JVV 0006
Delft, 1740-1760
The lozenge-shaped plaque has a molded and raised rim made up of scalloped ribbons alternating with shells. The plaque is painted with the biblical theme of Moses and the bronze snake. The painting is executed in blue, with only the bronze snake on the pole and three poisonous snakes on the ground accentuated in yellow. In the foreground the Numbers bible book reference ‘Num. 21 Vs 9’ is reserved in a small cartouche. The biblical story is at both sides bordered on either side by floral ornamentation and shells. The scalloped ribbons are painted with foliate scrolls. Two holes for suspension are pierced just below the upper shell. The reverse is glazed.
Dimensions: length 35 cm / 13.77 in., width 35 cm / 13.77 in.
Condition: small restorations to top and bottom shells, to the point of the accolade-shaped rim at the upper right, to the curled ends of the scalloped ribbon rim next to the shell on the right and to the rim bottom right.
Provenance: antique dealer H.C. van Vliet, Amsterdam
Explanatory note
In the story of the Old Testament, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land.
In the desert there was a lack of food and water and the dissatisfied people complained about God and Moses. God punished the people with a plague of poisonous snakes, claiming the lives of many. The Israelites showed remorse and Moses asked God for help. God ordered Moses to make a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Anyone who was bitten had to look at the bronze snake and would be healed. Apart from tiles, the theme of Moses and the bronze snake is hardly ever painted on Dutch Delftware.
Literature
J. Hall, Hall’s iconografisch handboek. Onderwerpen, symbolen en motieven in de beeldende kunst, Leiden 2000 (fourth edition)
Websites
Stichting Bijbel in de Nederlandse Cultuur (BNC), published by Amsterdam University Press, drs. P. Walewijn (editor), consulted on 14-07-2016 https://www.bijbelencultuur.nl
Price on request
