Sculpture of Moses with Tablets of the Law
Artwork Details
- Title: Sculpture of Moses with Tablets of the Law
- Date: ca. 1170
- Geography: Made in Noyon, Picardy (Oise), France
- Culture: French
- Medium: Limestone, polychromy
- Dimensions: Overall: 49 x 15 3/4 x 13 3/8 in. (124.5 x 40 x 34 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture-Stone
- Credit Line: Gift of Raymond Pitcairn, 1965
- Object Number: 65.268
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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2970. Moses with Tablets of The Law
The tablets in his hands give away the identity of this contemplative bearded prophet. This weathered limestone sculpture is Moses, keeper of the Ten Commandments. His bulky size and the swelling, deep rope-like folds of drapery are characteristic of the late twelfth century, when a new style emerged, known as the Gothic.
Turn around to admire his companion from the Old Testament, thought to be his brother, Aaron. The pair was long believed to be from the Cathedral of Chartres. Scientific analysis of limestone has revealed, however, that they once adorned the cathedral of Noyon, northeast of Paris.
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