Biblical Illustrations

Hebrew Bible manuscripts themselves were not illustrated. But biblical passages are found quoted in a variety of Jewish texts, including haggadot, prayer books, and others. These passages are often illustrated, offering us a window into the imaginations of Jews through the ages as they conceived of the ancient biblical narratives and their relationship to the present day. Typically, biblical characters were represented in clothing and styles typical of the time of the artist and readers, probably due to lack of a proper historical sensibility. But this anachronism also allowed contemporary viewers/readers to imagine themselves in the positions of their biblical ancestors, making the ancient stories that much more relevant to the present day.

Moses

Moses was the first biblical prophet and the individual who led Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Born in Egypt and adopted by the royal family, Moses had a keen sense of justice, for which he put his life on the line. For this reason, he was called by God to approach Pharoah with the “request”: “Let my people go!” After the exodus, Moses led the people through the edge of the Promised Land, which he never entered. Early in the wilderness journey of Israel, Moses received the tablets of the law at Sinai.

As the central figure of the Torah and the person to whom the tablets of the covenant were entrusted, Moses often finds a place in Jewish illustrations, where he is typically depicted holding the tablets and with his face beaming with divine light.