Pier Dandini, The Finding of Moses Landscape, 1680, Oil on Canvas

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Pier dandini (florence, 1646 – 1712)

the finding of moses

oil on canvas (87 x 118 cm - framed, 102 … Read more Pier dandini (florence, 1646 – 1712)

the finding of moses

oil on canvas (87 x 118 cm - framed, 102 x 132 cm)

provenance: international palace of auctions and exhibitions - sale of important private collections of fine antiques - florence, palazzo corsini, lot 448 (april 11, 1975) *** see photo=
the finding of moses is one of the most iconographic and studied biblical subjects in the history of art, particularly beloved since the renaissance as one of the most emblematic examples of divine providence. Based on a passage from exodus (2:1-10), it illustrates the episode in which the daughter of the egyptian pharaoh rescues baby moses from the waters of the nile, then cares for and raises him as an egyptian prince, saving him from his father's infanticide of the hebrew firstborn.

at the center of the scene is the beautiful princess (often identified as bithia) wearing regal robes and jewels, accompanied by her handmaidens and royal guards. She is immortalized here in the moment when they show her the child, and she, moved by great compassion, decides without hesitation to take him home.

the story is imbued with a subtle divine irony: the one who was to be killed by egyptian order is miraculously saved and welcomed into the pharaoh's court, destined to become the leader of israel and the liberator of his people from egyptian slavery.

the work presented here was part of a historic florentine collection and was offered at a fine antiques auction in april 1975 at palazzo corsini in florence.

given the distinctive stylistic and typological characteristics of the figures, the work is traditionally attributed to pietro dandini (florence, 1646-1712), a refined painter of the late tuscan baroque, known for his theatrical and elegant style, who played a key role in the florentine artistic scene of the second half of the 17th century.

a prolific and refined painter, he successfully blended the florentine tradition with influences gleaned during his formative travels in northern italy, including venice, modena, parma, and bologna, establishing himself as one of the most highly regarded interpreters of the tuscan baroque.

the vibrant color palette and the free, lively composition of the figures, combined with the physiognomies and the soft rendering of the fabrics, allow us to recognize stylistic aspects attributable to his work.

as is evident in the beautiful painting presented here, his art is distinguished by a sophisticated elegance and a profound, often dramatic, spiritualism. He cleverly integrated the influences of pietro da cortona and luca giordano into an energetic language characterized by a luminous use of color, dynamic compositions, and a theatricality that was well-suited to the needs of religious and aristocratic patrons.

he was particularly active among the nobility of the time, and in florence, dandini quickly became one of the most sought-after artists, thanks in part to the patronage of the medici family, particularly prince ferdinando and grand duke cosimo iii. He also worked for the most important noble families, including the ginori, orlandini, feroni, and corsini families, who were especially enamored of his sacred and mythological scenes, animated by elegant and lively figures, which embody a balanced baroque style, capable of blending devotion and spectacularity.

additional information:

the painting is sold complete with a beautiful gold frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.= this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less